The Fireworks Experts™ at Red Bomb Fireworks are extensively trained, specializing in family fireworks. With a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, The Fireworks Experts™ can help you plan a fireworks display that is sure to wow your audience.
"We are here to help" in every aspect of your fireworks display, and an integral part of our service is making sure you become a "fireworks expert". Red Bomb Fireworks is your portal to detailed fireworks information including:
- How family fireworks are made.
- Product and effect descriptions.
- Common fireworks terminology.
- The safe use of family fireworks.
- Frequently asked fireworks questions.
This Fireworks Experts™ section has been created to help you better understand the many fireworks and effects available at Red Bomb Fireworks. Please click the tabbed sections above to browse the fireworks information.
If you have any further questions, please use our online contact form to submit your query to The Fireworks Experts™ at Red Bomb Fireworks.
We also encourage you to stay informed with The Fuse™ Newsletter. The Fuse™ is published quarterly, and will keep you informed of the latest product introductions, the hottest sale items, Expert tips, and any changes to Canadian fireworks laws and regulations.
We are here to help! The Fireworks Experts™
Sometimes terminology can be confusing! We have devised this Fireworks Glossary using simple descriptions of the most frequent terminology used in product descriptions. The Fireworks Glossary has been divided by effect and product type.
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Roman Candles Small or medium diameter tube-typed items. Roman Candles emit multiple shots of individual flaming stars. |
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Barrages Multiple Roman Candles combined into a single unit. Barrages allow for a large number of shots and various effects. |
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Sound Shells Single shot items that produce a variety of aerial screeches and comets, ending with a very loud bang. |
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Fountains Low-level items that emit showers of sparks, similar to a volcano. Some fountains include whistles, crackers, and color changing effects. |
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Cakes Multiple tube items designed as rapid-firing finale pieces. Cakes emit a broad range of effects, all with dazzling power and altitude. |
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Mines Medium and large diameter tube items held vertical with plastic bases. Mine consist of illuminated stars, lifting upwards in a fan shape. |
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Floral Shells Medium and large diameter tube items help vertical with plastic bases. Contain various bursting effects with maximum altitude. |
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Wheels Numerous fountains mounted on a centrally pivoting wheel. Wheels spin freely, creating large circular sprays of sparks and effects. |
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Novelties Traditional low-level and ground-based items designed for amusement. Include spinners, strobes, and burning buildings. |
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Sparklers The only fireworks products designed to be held. When lit, sparklers produce glittering sparks, safe enough to be held in the hand. |
Today’s fireworks can range from single-shot effects, to complex combinations of multiple burst, trail, and glitter effects. The section below outlines some of the most common burst and effect patterns found in Canadian fireworks.
| Effect Types: | |
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Chrysanthemum - A perfectly shaped spherical burst of tailed stars, very much like a flower. Chrysanthemum bursts are usually found in large floral shells and cakes. |
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Comet - A large flaming projectile which produces a bushy, shimmering tail as it rises. Many roman candles and floral shells exhibit comet tall effects. |
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Crossette - A set of comets that split into diverging trails as they cascade and fill the sky. Crossettes are a rare effect, usually found in large floral shells. |
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Flying Fish - Stars which wiggle and swim away from a central burst in a silent mesmeric dance. Look for flying fish in your favorite cakes and floral shells. |
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Glitter - A constant spray of shimmering and twinkling sparks. Fountains are best known for their beautiful glitter effects. |
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Willow / Palm - Bright arms of cascading sparks, shaped to permeate outward like the branches of a palm tree. Palm bursts are found in floral shells and cakes. |
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Pearls - A set of bright glowing orbs that do not leave a trail as they rise in the sky. Pearls are frequently found in roman candles, barrages, and cakes. |
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Peony - A perfectly expanding sphere of stars. Peony bursts are usually found in large floral shells, brazilian tubes and cakes. |
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Spinner - An aerial effect that is created by a whirling projectile. Spinners may produce a screeching effect. Look for spinners in barrages and cakes. |
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Stars - Glowing, flaming ball of coloured or crackling light accompanied by narrow tracer trails. Stars are found in roman candles and barrages. |
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Strobe - A brightly flickering or flashing light in the sky or on the ground. Strobe effects may be found in novelties, cakes, and large floral shells. |
It is believed by historians that the precursor to fireworks, black powder, originated in China some 2,000 years ago. Legend tells of a Chinese cook who accidentally spilled saltpeter (a flavoring agent) into a cooking fire, producing an interesting flame. After witnessing the interesting flame, the cook decided to mix charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter. To the cook's surprise, the mixture burned rapidly, with unprecedented heat and force.
While numerous experiments with black powder occurred over the next thousand years, a Chinese monk named Li Tian is credited with the development of the firecracker, the forerunner of today's modern fireworks products. Tian, a native of Liu Yang in the Hunan Province, reportedly created the first firecrackers by filling bamboo shoots with black powder. When ignited at new years festivities, these explosive bamboo shoots created loud bangs. These noises were thought to have the power to fend off evil spirits and ghosts.
Generally, Marco Polo is credited with bringing Chinese black powder back to Europe in the 13th century. Once in Europe, black powder was initially used for military purposes, namely in the development of rockets, canons, and guns. With their emphasis on arts and entertainment, the Italians were the first Europeans who used black powder to manufacture fireworks.
In the modern era, China continues to be a driving force in the global fireworks market. The Chinese province of Liu Yang, Li Tian's home, remains the global fireworks capital. While nearly all of the fireworks available for sale in Canada originate in China, these articles are subject to intense scrutiny by Canada's Explosives Regulatory Division prior to importation.
Family fireworks continue to be the most prevalent source of industry growth, with annual consumption increasing between 5% and 10%. New family fireworks products are being developed in large volumes, and the scope and variety of products will undoubtedly continue to increase over the foreseeable future.
The Fireworks Experts™ at Red Bomb Fireworks strongly encourage the safe use of family fireworks. To ensure your fireworks display goes off without a hitch, appoint one person to be in charge of your display and 1-4 assistants. Ensure that all are familiar with the following safety tips/instructions:
- Check with your municipality to ensure fireworks are authorized for use in your area.
- Check with your neighbours to ensure that they are OK with your upcoming show.
- No items except sparklers are intended to be held in the hand.
- Do not smoke or allow open flames near fireworks.
- Do not shoot fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Be courteous! Do not use fireworks late at night, causing a disturbance for neighbours
- Choose a wide, clear site for firing, away from overhead obstacles and dry grass. If aerial shells are in use, keep audience at least 40 meters back from lighting area.
- Do not purchase illegal fireworks. These items do not meet the strict standards defined by Natural Resources Canada, and are therefore extremely hazardous and dangerous.
- Also, these items do not carry product liability insurance in Canada.
- Prior to their use, store fireworks in a cool dry place. Exercise caution when positioning fireworks to prevent accidental product damage from dew and ground-level moisture.
- Read the instructions on each item. Different items have different firing instructions.
- Check wind direction. Angle the fireworks away from spectators, about 10 degrees off-of-center. Do not shoot fireworks in high winds.
- Do not shoot fireworks out of glass or metal containers. These containers could crack or explode, sending shards of material outward.
- Never attempt to re-light a misfired fireworks item. Keep a bucket of water or hose handy to extinguish such items. If an item does not light easily, or fizzles out, do not approach the item for 15 minutes.
- The shooter and the assistants should wear snug fitting cotton clothing, and a cotton baseball hat for protection from sparks.
- Do not transport fireworks in your pockets.
- Keep pets indoors while shooting fireworks.
- Be a good neighbour... clean up after the show!
REMEMBER: Fireworks are fun, but treat them with respect!
Unsure of how to store your fireworks? Looking for the best method to transport your fireworks? In response to the numerous questions submit by customers and guests, Red Bomb Fireworks has developed a listing of Frequently Asked Questions. Whether you are a beginner, novice, or self-proclaimed fireworks wizard, you'll surely find this information useful!
Q: ARE FAMILY FIREWORKS ILLEGAL OR DANGEROUS?
All fireworks sold by Red Bomb Fireworks have been tested by the Government of Canada, and subsequently, approved for retail sale to the public. To ensure the safe ignition of your display, pre-planning is essential. Carefully pre-read the ignition and use instructions on every item, and familiarize all assistants with ignition and safety procedures.
Q: HOW SHOULD I LIGHT MY FIREWORKS?
When lighting fireworks, always make safety your first priority. Prepare your ignition area prior to your display, and appoint one to four assistants. Punk igniters, Barbeque lighters, or road flares work best for igniting your display.
Q: HOW DO I LIGHT MULTIPLE ITEMS AT ONE TIME?
Unless you are a licensed pyrotechnician, it is recommended that you ignite each firework individually. To achieve multiple effects, appoint an assistant to aid in simultaneous ignition. In this case, it is best to use items of equal height and intensity, creating one spectacular focal point!
Q: HOW DO I TRANSPORT FIREWORKS?
It is perfectly safe to transport up to 25kg of Family Fireworks in your passenger vehicle. As a precaution, keep purchased fireworks out of direct sunlight (in the trunk or under the seat). An appropriately labeled cardboard box is most convenient for transport and handling.
Q: CAN I STORE FIREWORKS IN MY HOME?
Canadian federal law permits the storage of 10 kg or less of fireworks in a dwelling or a place attached to a dwelling (e.g., a garage) provided that:
(a) the fireworks are kept in a cool, dry place away from any source of heat or incompatible substance
(b) the fireworks remain inaccessible to persons under 18 years of age.
Additional storage is permitted in independent storage buildings with no living quarters.
Q: HOW LONG WILL FIREWORKS KEEP?
Provided they are stored in a cool, dry location, fireworks have an extremely long shelf-life. Do not store fireworks in a sealed plastic container, as plastic prevents the circulation of air, and may cause condensation.
Q: DO I NEED A LICENSE TO SHOOT FIREWORKS?
All products sold by Red Bomb Fireworks have been approved for sale to retail consumers in Canada, and do not require additional licenses for purchase or possession. In order to purchase and use Class 7.2.1 (consumer) fireworks in Canada, one must:
- Be 18 years old.
- Follow all instructions for safe use and clean-up.
- Properly plan and coordinate display activities.
Note, however, that local municipalities may enact rules and regulations restricting the time, duration, or location of fireworks displays. For example, in the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service requires consumers to apply for a free fireworks ignition permit prior to a consumer fireworks display. For further details regarding the municipal bylaws in your area, contact your local civic office.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS WITH "DUDS"?
Although it is rare for modern fireworks to fail or misfire, Red Bomb Fireworks is proud to offer a "no-questions-asked" return policy. In the event that you experience a defective item, simply notify us in writing, and we would be glad to provide credit for your next purchase.
Q: WHAT MAKES A GOOD FIREWORKS SHOW?
Regardless of your budget, variety is key. A good fireworks show contains a wide assortment of effects, from fountains to high-flying aerial bursts. A great way to begin a show is with a BANG (Sound Shell) to wake up your audience! Multi-shot cakes or barrages should be reserved for the finale, creating a spectacular finish. Whatever your budget, a good rule of thumb is to start small, grow to a crescendo, & finish HUGE!
Q: DOES RED BOMB FIREWORKS COORDINATE FUNDRAISERS OR COMMUNITY DISPLAYS?
Yes! For details regarding our fundraising or community display packages, please click here or call our 24 hour switchboard / answering service at 1-866-860-1987.
Q: HOW DO I GET LICENSED TO PURCHASE AND SHOOT COMMERCIAL (1.3G) FIREWORKS?
Commercial display fireworks certification is overseen by the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) a department of the Government of Canada. To obtain a license you must complete a one day training seminar hosted by the ERD, followed by the completion of the apprenticeship requirements enacted by the ERD. For more information, including scheduled course dates in your area, please visit the ERD's training web page by clicking here.
Still have a question? Send your question to the experts at Red Bomb Fireworks by completing the following form.
