"Make sure you read the instructions." That's from Portage la Prairie Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Dave Holmes referring to the use of fireworks many families will be enjoying on Canada day Saturday night. He notes some safety tips to keep in mind to ensure this weekend is a safe one.

"We always want to to start off with picking our area," says Holmes. "We shouldn't be setting off these fireworks in residential areas anywhere close to buildings and vehicles. We have to ensure that power lines, trees are not going to be an obstruction and cause a fire as well."

Holmes adds to make sure winds aren't too strong, and find a location so aftereffects and sparks don't blow into buildings and building. He explains a form of extinguishing any hazardous fire must be kept on hand such as a portable extinguisher, pail of water or garden hose.

He says we must all keep in mind that nobody gets hurt or no property gets damaged while we have fun on Canada Day.