Mississauga residents planning to light fireworks for Diwali will have a four-hour window to do it legally.

Under the City's Fireworks By-law, family fireworks may be used only on a person's own private property, and only on Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., according to a City of Mississauga news release. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, falls on that date this year and is marked by many Mississauga residents with gatherings, decorations, diyas, candles and fireworks.

What requires a permit

Some fireworks uses require a permit from the City. Residents can find details on rules, permits and how to apply at mississauga.ca/fireworks.

The City will have extra Municipal By-law Enforcement officers on duty during Diwali to help keep celebrations safe.

When to call 911 — and when not to

The City is urging residents not to call 911 for fireworks complaints unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire or an injury. Illegal fireworks should instead be reported by calling 311 or submitting a report online.

Fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires if they are not used properly, the City warns.

Cleanup and fire safety

After the celebration, used fireworks should be soaked in water overnight before going into the garbage, and all debris should be cleaned up.

The City also flags cooking as one of the leading causes of fires, noting that many Diwali celebrations involve cooking, candles and diyas. Fire safety tips are available at mississauga.ca/fire.

Be considerate of neighbours

Hosts are asked to plan ahead for guests, parking and noise, and to keep noise to a reasonable level, especially late at night. Longer stays by guests may require a temporary parking permit.

The City cautions that illegal fireworks, excessive noise or behaviour that disturbs neighbours can be treated as a nuisance gathering under its Nuisance Gathering By-law, which can lead to fines or other enforcement measures. Residents dealing with a problem gathering in their neighbourhood are asked to call 311.

Before Nov. 8, the City is asking residents to take three steps: check the rules, choose a safe spot on their property, and have water ready.