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FLICK Logo - Filming Locally in Chatham-Kent
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Special Effects Filming

First Responder Uniforms, Prop Cruisers, Prop Emergency Vehicles

  • Contact the Paid Duty Office at least two weeks before the start of filming.
  • Based on the specifics of the shoot, the Paid Duty Office will advise whether support is required and notify emergency dispatchers in case of any calls from the community.

Special Effects & Dangerous Filming Activities

The Film Office, Chatham-Kent Police Services and/or the Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue must be notified and approve of the filming of dangerous activities in Chatham-Kent. Follow the instructions below to properly notify the appropriate group about your specific activity.

IMPORTANT: Note the notification times required for staff to review and approve each activity. Notification times are 10 full business days for open flame effects or 10 full business days for other SPFX requests. Please plan accordingly. Applications submitted without the proper notification time will not be considered.

Guns, Gunfire Pyrotechnics, Squibs, Bomb Mock-Ups

At least 10 full business days before filming, submit your completed request form by email to filming@chatham-kent.ca to provide notification and information about the film activity. In some cases, a representative from the Chatham-Kent Polices Services may contact the FX Location Representative to request additional details.

  • Firearms and Gunfire form
  • SPFX Pyrotechnics, Gunfire and Squibs Form - Fireworks, Special Events Form
  • SPFX Squibs only form -Fireworks, Special Events Form
  • Request a Paid Duty Officer at least 48 hours before the start of filming.
    1. Each application is reviewed by a senior officer prior to approval. Please clearly state that the anticipated duties of the attending Paid Duty Officer relate to dangerous filming activities.
    2. Paid Duty must be coordinated by Chatham-Kent Police Services. Privately paid duty services are not permitted.
    3. Fees: Paid Duty fees are based on the length of paid duty, number of officers and equipment required to service your request. Payment of fees is due to Chatham-Kent Police Services upon completion of the paid duty.

Display Fireworks, Flame Effects & Pyrotechnics

  • Submit a completed information package for review to the Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue by emailing filming@chatham-kent.ca to request approval for the anticipated activity. The review process is a paid service. Payment must be received before staff review the application. Contact the film office or 519-360-1998 to arrange payment.
  • Information packages must be submitted 10 full business days before filming open flame effects or 5 business days for all other requests
  • Refer to the below information sheets for information package requirements
  • Request a paid standby fire truck and crew at least 10 full business days before filming. Non-emergency stand-by service must be provided by the Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue. Private or out-of-town services are not permitted.
    1. Please provide a detailed location map to determine the response area and type of crew that will be required.
    2. Please provide the start and end times for the paid standby fire truck and crew so that the Hamilton Fire Department can provide a cost estimate to be approved in advance by the film production.
    3. Fees: The total amount be invoiced after the event and will include the cost of Non-Emergency Standby for events and Full Cost Recovery for the Crew. Payment of fees is due to the Hamilton Fire Department after filming. For more information about fees related to non-emergency stand-by, please visit Fire Permits, Inspections, Reports and Services.

Information Sheets for Information Package Requirements

Display Fireworks Information Sheet

Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue requires a full and complete Display Fireworks Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of Display Fireworks within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

The following is a list of documents and information that is required to be included in all submissions of Display Fireworks Information Packages:

  • Fireworks Supervisor's name, address, contact numbers and Level of ERD certification
  • ERD Certificate number and expiry date (photocopy is acceptable)
  • List of all devices being used OR written confirmation that all devices being used are on the List of Authorized Explosives as issued by the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada. Note: HFD reserves the right to request a detailed list of devices if necessary.
  • Indication of High-level, Low-level and/or Ground-level fireworks being used
  • Date of show or event
  • Location of show or event Note: If the event is being fired from an unconventional site (barge, bridge, flatbed or rooftop) obtain written permission from the Explosives Regulatory Division prior to submitting the Display Fireworks Information Package to this Department.
  • Comprehensive site plan (see appendix "A" attached)
  • Safety Equipment (3A-60BC or 10 litre pressurized water Fire extinguishers, first aid kit).
  • Complete list of crew members, ERD certificate numbers and expiry dates
  • Description of safety precautions in place (includes line-of-sight to devices and spectators, extinguishers, safety meeting and emergency shutdown method)
  • Proof of Insurance - Insurer's name, Policy #, amount of liability coverage (min. $5,000,000)
  • Traffic control plans ( if needed)
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Hamilton Police Service approval if the event requires road closures/traffic diversion
  • Crowd control measures (if needed)
  • Site cleanup process after the display
  • Letter of consent from the building or property owner

Pyrotechnics Information Sheet

Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue requires a full and complete Pyrotechnics Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of Pyrotechnics within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

  • Pyrotechnician's name, address, contact numbers and a class of ERD certification
  • ERD Certificate number and expiry date (photocopy is acceptable)
  • List of all devices being used (as listed in the list of Authorized Explosives issued by the Explosives Regulatory Division of the Natural Resources Canada)
  • Date of show or event
  • Location of show or event
  • Comprehensive site plan (see appendix "A" attached)
  • Fire extinguishers – at least 2 required with a minimum rating of 3A-60BC (one of the two can be a 10-litre pressurized water unit). Extinguishers must be located within 15 metres of the pyrotechnics special effects. Note: The above 2 fire extinguishers are in addition to those already at the location.
  • Description of devices being used
  • Cueing/firing sequence of devices
  • Complete list of crew members, ERD certificate numbers and expiry dates
  • Description of safety precautions in place (includes line-of-sight to devices, extinguishers, safety meeting and emergency shutdown method)
  • Proof of Insurance - Insurer's name, Policy #, amount of liability coverage (min. $5,000,000)
  • Traffic control plans ( if needed)
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Police approval if display/event requires road closures or traffic diversion
  • Crowd control measures (if needed)
  • Site cleanup process after the display
  • Letter of consent from the building or property owner

Note: For effects that involve the use of compressed gas or liquid flame generators (e.g. propane flame bars, flame-breathing dragon, etc.) contact the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and obtain approval for the use of the devices. TSSA can be contacted at 1-877-682-8772.

For effects that involve the use of blank gunfire and squibs, etc. contact the Chatham-Kent Police Services – ERU branch and obtain their approval for the use of the devices. ERU can be contacted at 519-352-1234.

Display Fireworks, Pyrotechnic & Open Flame FX Site Plan Requirements

Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue requires a detailed and comprehensive site plan to be included with all Submissions for any SPFX / Fireworks Information Packages.

The following is a list of information that is required to be included on Site Plans that are submitted as part of an Information Package:

  • Address of site
  • Name of facility/site
  • Location and direction of firing areas
  • All relevant distances (clearance to spectators, roadways, buildings, fall-out zones). Note: Adequate clearances and fallout zones (as applicable) shall be indicated to allow for adjustments for wind speed and direction on the day of the display.
  • Prevailing wind direction
  • Adjacent buildings, structures
  • Ground cover (trees, field, paved area, etc.)
  • Access roads
  • Position of ramps and mortars
  • Parking areas
  • Location of emergency vehicles
  • North arrow
  • Staff or spectator viewing areas

Flame Effects Plan Information Sheet Based on NFPA 160

Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue requires a full and complete Flame Effects Plan Information Package to be submitted for review prior to any use of flame effects or acts within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.


The following is a list of documents and information that is required to be included in all submissions of Flame Effects Plan Information Packages:

  • Location of production, show or event
  • Date and time of production, show or event
  • Name of Person, group or organization responsible for the production
  • Flame Effect Classification (Group I through VII), all that apply
  • Company name
  • Sponsoring Organization and address
  • A comprehensive site plan including:
    1. A narrative description of the flame effect
    2. The location of flame effect devices to be fired and their controls and sequence
    3. The area affected by the flame effect device
    4. The location of the audience
    5. The fuels used and their estimated consumption
    6. Air for combustion and ventilation for indoor effects
    7. Flammable material piping
    8. Storage and holding areas and their capacities
    9. Supplemental fire protection features (includes line-of-sight to devices, extinguishers, safety meeting, and emergency shutdown method)
    10. Emergency response procedures
    11. Means of egress
  • A current material safety data sheet (MSDA) for the materials (fuels) consumed in the flame effect.
  • Documentation that the combustible materials used for the construction of the flame effects have been rendered flame retardant
  • Name of the effect operator
  • Letter of consent from the building or property owner
  • Proof of Insurance – Insurer name, policy #, amount of liability coverage ($5,000,000 min.)
  • Disconnection of smoke detectors etc. and alternate plans if necessary
  • Traffic control plans (if applicable)
  • Chatham-Kent Police Services approval if necessary (road closures)
  • Notify TSSA (fax) re: propane use

Note: For effects that involve the use of compressed gas or liquid flame generators (e.g. propane flame bars, flame-breathing dragon, etc.) contact the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and obtain approval for the use of the devices. TSSA can be contacted at 1-877-682-8772.

Test Firing

In unique situations, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue may require a test firing of devices.

Note: Once approved, no changes/additions/substitutions/modifications of flame effects are permitted without written notification and associated details being forwarded to the film office. In addition, the film office is to be notified in writing of any changes or modifications to any information originally provided to them.

For additional information or clarification email filming@chatham-kent.ca.