Fireworks-related chaos swept Ontario this long weekend
Fireworks wars, an exploding store, and a closed park were just some of the chaotic events involving pyrotechnics in Ontario over the Victoria Day long weekend.
The unofficial start to summer is often fraught with fireworks-related chaos, and the 2026 Victoria Day long weekend quite literally launched with a bang several hours before the scheduled pyrotechnic displays.
On Monday, a car crashed into an Etobicoke fireworks shop, igniting a five-alarm blaze that set off packaged pyrotechnics as firefighters battled the blaze.
Toronto police say a vehicle crashed into a fireworks store in Etobicoke, igniting a blaze that sent fireworks shooting into the air as crews battled the flames.
— CHCH News (@CHCHNews) May 18, 2026
READ MORE: https://t.co/d9YhA1dQE3 pic.twitter.com/ccnwEzWv6N
But that was really just a prelude to the chaos that would follow on Monday evening, where roman candle fireworks were repurposed as makeshift firearms by rowdy teenagers.
Toronto Police say that five people were arrested at Woodbine Park during Monday night's fireworks celebrations, including multiple arrests of people allegedly caught shooting fireworks at others.
Another four were arrested during Waterloo's Victoria Day celebrations.
In Mississauga's Streetsville area, a girl was reportedly shot by fireworks and tended to by local police.
NOW: Girl gets reportedly shot by a firework in her car at Vic* Johnston CC in #Streetsville, police render aid.
— 905HUB (@905hub_) May 19, 2026
Follow @905hub_ for daily Mississauga updates. pic.twitter.com/0S1lqZd4YR
It was more of the same over in Port Credit.
Brampton was undeniably the most-talked-about fireworks-related story over the long weekend, where unruly teenagers amassed for fireworks wars in public parks.
In a shocking move, the City of Brampton summarily ordered a local park closed. Peel Regional Police announced just after 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening that Chinguacousy Park was closed "due to large, unsafe gatherings and use of fireworks" and ordered everyone to leave the public space.
PARK CLOSURE:
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) May 18, 2026
-The @CityBrampton has closed Chinguacousy Park due to large, unsafe gatherings and use of fireworks.
-Effective immediately, park is closed.
-All individuals in the park are to leave the area.
-Park will remain closed until further notice.
-Police on scene…
Fireworks are a touchy subject in Brampton following the 2022 ban of fireworks in the city. Some have argued that the ban unfairly targets Brampton's South Asian community on holidays like Diwali, while the City maintains that the ban is in place to reduce risk of fire, injury, and other unsafe use.
Seriously , you think this was the result of not having a fireworks show. This was about punks causing havoc plain & simple. It was promoted as a burnskin where ppl shoot fireworks at each other. https://t.co/S6eULAjMfZ
— IMTHATGUY (@IMTHATGUY1693) May 19, 2026
Regardless of your stance, it's a debate likely to re-emerge in several weeks when fireworks once again light up Ontario skies in celebration of Canada Day on July 1.
Najafi/Shutterstock
