Fire Department
Filming related services
The Hamilton Fire Department must be notified and approve of filming using display fireworks, flame effects and pyrotechnics.
Approval Process:
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Arrange to hire the services of an approved ERD (Explosive Regulatory Division) Carded Technician that is authorized to use display fireworks, pyrotechnics or open flame effects.
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Submit a completed information package for review to the Hamilton Fire Department Fire Prevention Services by email to [email protected] and [email protected] to request approval for the anticipated activity. The review process is a paid service. Payment must be received before staff review the application. Contact [email protected] to arrange payment.
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Information packages must be submitted 10 full business days before filming open flame effects or 5 business days for all other requests
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Refer to the individual information sheets below for information package requirements:
Hamilton Fire Department requires a full and complete Display Fireworks Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of Display Fireworks within the City of Hamilton.
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Fireworks Supervisor’s name, address, contact numbers and Level of ERD certification
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ERD Certificate number and expiry date (photocopy is acceptable)
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List of all devices being used OR written confirmation that all devices being used are on the List of Authorized Explosives as issued by the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada. Note: HFD reserves the right to request a detailed list of devices, if deemed necessary.
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Indication of High-level, Low-level and/or Ground-level fireworks being used
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Date of show or event
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Location of show or event Note: if the event is being fired from an unconventional site (barge, bridge, flatbed or rooftop) obtain written permission from the Explosives Regulatory Division prior to submitting the Display Fireworks Information Package to this Department.
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Comprehensive site plan (see appendix “A” below)
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Safety Equipment (3A-60BC or 10 litre pressurized water Fire extinguishers, first aid kit).
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Complete list of crew members, ERD certificate numbers and expiry dates
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Description of safety precautions in place (includes line-of-sight to devices and spectators, extinguishers, safety meeting and emergency shutdown method)
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Proof of Insurance - Insurer’s name, Policy #, amount of liability coverage (min. $5,000,000)
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Traffic control plans ( if needed)
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Emergency response procedures
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Hamilton Police Service approval if event requires road closures/traffic diversion
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Crowd control measures (if needed)
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Site cleanup process after the display
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Letter of consent from building or property owner
Test Firing
In unique situations Hamilton Fire Department may require a test firing of devices.
Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions of Display Fireworks devices are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to this Department. In addition this Department is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to this Department.
In unique situations Hamilton Fire Department may require a test firing of devices.
Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions of Display Fireworks devices are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to this Department. In addition this Department is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to this Department.
For additional information or clarification please email [email protected]
Appendix “A” - Display Fireworks / Pyrotechnic / Open Flame FX Site Plan Requirements
Hamilton Fire Department requires a detailed and comprehensive site plan to be included with all Submissions for any SPFX / Fireworks Information Packages.
The following is a list of information that is required to be included on Site Plans that are submitted as part of an Information Package:
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Address of site
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Name of facility/site
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Location and direction of firing areas
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All relevant distances (clearance to spectators, roadways, buildings, fall out zones)
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Note: adequate clearances and fallout zones (as applicable) shall be indicated to allow for adjustments for wind speed and direction on the day of the display
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Prevailing wind direction
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Adjacent buildings, structures
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Ground cover (trees, field, paved area, etc.)
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Access roads
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Position of ramps and mortars
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Parking areas
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Location of emergency vehicles
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North arrow
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Staff or Spectator viewing areas
Flame Effects Plan Information Sheet Based on NFPA 160
Hamilton Fire Department requires a full and complete Flame Effects Plan Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of flame effects or acts within the City of Hamilton.
The following is a list of documents and information that is required to be included in all submissions of Flame Effects Plan Information Packages:
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Location of production, show or event
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Date and time of production, show or event
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Name of Person, group or organization responsible for the production
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Flame Effect Classification (Group I through VII), all that apply
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Company name
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Sponsoring Organization and address
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Comprehensive site plan includes:
- A narrative description of the flame effect
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The location of flame effect devices to be fired and their controls and sequence
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The area affected by the flame effect device
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The location of the audience
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The fuels used and their estimated consumption
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Air for combustion and ventilation for indoor effects
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Flammable material piping
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Storage and holding areas and their capacities
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Supplemental fire protection features (includes line-of-sight to devices, extinguishers, safety meeting, and emergency shutdown method)
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Emergency response procedures
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Means of egress
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A current material safety data sheet (MSDA) for the materials (fuels) consumed in the flame effect.
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Documentation that the combustible materials used for the construction of the flame effects have been rendered flame retardant
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Name of the effect operator
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Letter of consent from building or property owner
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Proof of Insurance – Insurer name, policy #, amount of liability coverage ($5,000,000 min.)
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Disconnection of smoke detectors etc. and alternate plans if necessary
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Traffic control plans (if applicable)
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Hamilton Police approval if necessary (road closures)
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Notify TSSA (fax) re: propane use
Note: For effects that involve the use of compressed gas or liquid flame generators (e.g. propane flame bars, flame breathing dragon etc.) contact Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and obtain approval for the use of the devices. TSSA can be contacted at 1-877-682-8772.
Test Firing
In unique situations Hamilton Fire Department may require a test firing of devices.
Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions/modifications of flame effects are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to this Department. In addition this Department is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to this Department.
For additional information or clarification email [email protected]
Pyrotechnics Information Sheet
Hamilton Fire Department requires a full and complete Pyrotechnics Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of Pyrotechnics within the City of Hamilton.
The following is a list of documents and information that is required to be included in all submissions of Pyrotechnics Information Packages:
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Pyrotechnician’s name, address, contact numbers and class of ERD certification
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ERD Certificate number and expiry date (photocopy is acceptable)
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List of all devices being used (as listed in the list of Authorized Explosives issued by the Explosives Regulatory Division of the Natural Resources Canada)
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Date of show or event
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Location of show or event
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Comprehensive site plan (see appendix “A” below)
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Fire extinguishers – at least 2 required with a minimum rating of 3A-60BC (one of the two can be a 10 litre pressurized water unit). Extinguishers must be located within 15 metres of the pyrotechnics special effects.
Note: The above 2 fire extinguishers are in addition to those already at the location. -
Description of devices being used
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Cueing/firing sequence of devices
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Complete list of crew members, ERD certificate numbers and expiry dates
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Description of safety precautions in place (includes line-of-sight to devices, extinguishers, safety meeting and emergency shutdown method)
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Proof of Insurance - Insurer’s name, Policy #, amount of liability coverage (min. $5,000,000)
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Traffic control plans ( if needed)
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Emergency response procedures
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Police approval if display/event requires road closures or traffic diversion
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Crowd control measures (if needed)
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Site cleanup process after the display
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Letter of consent from building or property owner
Note: For effects that involve the use of compressed gas or liquid flame generators (e.g. propane flame bars, flame breathing dragon etc.) contact Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and obtain approval for the use of the devices . TSSA can be contacted at 1-877-682-8772.
For effects that involve the use of “blank gunfire & squibs: etc. contact the Hamilton Police Services – ERU branch and obtain their approval for the use of the devices. ERU can be contacted at 905-546-4886 or 905-546-4758.
Test Firing
In unique situations Hamilton Fire Department may require a test firing of devices.
Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions of Pyrotechnic devices are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to this Department. In addition this Department is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to this Department.
For additional information or clarification email [email protected]
Appendix “A” - Display Fireworks / Pyrotechnic / Open Flame FX Site Plan Requirements
Hamilton Fire Department requires a detailed and comprehensive site plan to be included with all Submissions for any SPFX / Fireworks Information Packages.
The following is a list of information that is required to be included on Site Plans that are submitted as part of an Information Package:
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Address of site
-
Name of facility/site
-
Location and direction of firing areas
-
All relevant distances (clearance to spectators, roadways, buildings, fall out zones)
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Note: adequate clearances and fallout zones (as applicable) shall be indicated to allow for adjustments for wind speed and direction on the day of the display
-
Prevailing wind direction
-
Adjacent buildings, structures
-
Ground cover (trees, field, paved area, etc.)
-
Access roads
-
Position of ramps and mortars
-
Parking areas
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Location of emergency vehicles
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North arrow
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Staff or Spectator viewing areas
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Request a paid standby fire truck and crew at least 10 full business days before filming. Non-emergency stand-by service must be provided by the Hamilton Fire Department. Private or out-of-town services are not permitted.
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Please provide a detailed location map to determine the response area and type of crew that will be required.
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Please provide the start and end time for the paid standby fire truck and crew so that the Hamilton Fire Department can provide a cost estimate to be approved in advance by the film production.
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Fees: Total amount be invoiced after the event and will include the cost of Non-Emergency Standby for events and Full Cost Recovery for Crew. Payment of fees is due to the Hamilton Fire Department after filming. For more information about fees related to non-emergency stand-by, please visit Fire Permits, Inspections, Reports and Services.
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