Fireworks Lighting Instructions

The following instructions provide detailed information for setting up & lighting Victory Fireworks. Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. All Canadian-approved fireworks have bilingual labels that will instruct you on proper usage. In addition to these detailed lighting instructions, please review our important Fireworks Safety Instructions prior to setting up your display.

FOUNTAINS: Cone or flat-based fountains (e.g. Magic Sparkle Cone, Winter Storm Cone, Pay Day, Jackpot Fountain, Pyro Candy) should be placed on a flat, firm surface for lighting. Some flat-based Fountains should be buried halfway into sand or dirt before lighting: if so, this will be indicated on the labelling. If a Fountain does not have a standing base (e.g. Caramel Fountain, BEM Rocket Fountain) then you must place it firmly into dirt or sand before lighting. You do not have to open a Fountain from its cardboard tube or package: simply remove the tape from the fuse and ignite.

WHEELS: Wheels must be nailed securely to a fence, post or other support before ignition (nail is included with item). Make certain that the wheel has spinning clearance so that it turns freely prior to ignition. Wheels spray a shower of sparks to a smaller or greater degree depending on the size of the item. It is not recommended to affix a wheel to a tree because of the danger of setting leaves on fire. Wheels may leave burn mark behind them after use.

ROMAN CANDLES: Candles should always be buried up to half of their length in sand or dirt. Never hold them in your hand. Never aim them at a person, animal or object. The fuse of a Roman Candle is at the top of the item. Remove the covering tape from the fuse prior to ignition.

BRAZILIAN FIREWORKS: The fuse of a Brazilian firework (e.g. Bouquet of Stars, Shower of Stars, Whizz Bang, etc.) is always on the side of the item, a few inches up from the bottom. The hollow end of the tube is up. Place the firework a few inches into the sand or dirt, almost up to the wick. Remove the tape from the wick (if applicable). Light & retreat quickly.

BARRAGES: Barrages have their wicks at the top, usually taped down. To ignite: plant the firework halfway into the ground, remove the tape and flip the wick up. As with Roman Candles, tear away some of the paper around the wick for easier ignition if applicable.

SOUND SHELLS & SKYROCKETS: Sound Shells (e.g. Air Bomb, Supersonic Bang, Whistle Bomb) & Skyrockets (1-Stage & 3-Stage) go point-end in the ground. Note the 'UP' marker on the top of the item.

MORTARS OR 'COMETS, MINES & FLORAL EFFECTS': These plastic-based fireworks are meant to stand freely on a flat, firm surface. If the ground is uneven or frozen then you can place the item on a board or other flat platform. The 'brick method' (depicted at right) is by far the safest way to ignite a Multi Effect, since this will ensure that the item remains stationary and does not tip over. Some people prefer to place Multi-Effects in a bucket of sand so they can angle the firework slightly (e.g. 10 degrees) to fire over water or away from spectators. If you use a bucket of sand then wiggle the base of the Multi-Effect into the sand to secure it, leaving the wick exposed.

MULTI-SHOT CAKES: The fuse of these multi-tubed, round, triangular or square fireworks (Sidewinder, The Champ, The Menace, etc.) is typically on the side of the item; but it may be on top. In some cases, you can simply place the Cake on a flat, firm surface to ignite. More often, however, you must either bury the item halfway in the ground or secure it by surrounding it with rocks, bricks or cement blocks to stabilise it and prevent it from tipping. *** Always read the directions on the firework to determine whether burying is required. If so, then you must either secure the firework in sand/dirt or employ the brick method depicted at left. You do not have to remove any part of a Cake's packaging in order to ignite it. You should always check to see if the cake is straight up or fires on an angle and place the cake accordingly.