A recent firework canister explosion on Canada Day has prompted a plea for caution.

Carman-Dufferin firefighter and firework expert Joey McElroy asks people to be careful around fireworks.

"They like to try and get as close as they can. They think they can see the fireworks better being close."

He recently posted a photo of the exploded canister on social media, and says that if people were nearby during the explosion, they could have been harmed by debris.

Adding that fireworks can cause severe injury, McElroy says that as a firefighter, they handle the devices with protective equipment and a buffer zone.

A 15 minute show takes approximately 10 hours to set up on site, as firefighters gauge wind patterns and rope off debris landing zones.

McElroy asks that people use proper judgement when viewing or setting off fireworks.

"If you're going to be doing fireworks at the cabin, or for a birthday or long weekend celebration, make sure you check with your local area and what their bylaws are ... some municipalities don't allow them at all."

Additionally, he says it is important to properly secure fireworks before setting them off to avoid injury, and ensuring that conditions are not so dry as to start a fire.

McElroy used an exploded fireworks canister as an example in a recent social media post about staying safe while enjoying fireworks displays. Photo courtesy Joey McElroy