Fire service calls for safety
The New Zealand Fire Service is urging the public to be smart around fireworks over the Guy Fawkes period.
This follows the highest number of fires last year with fireworks as the cause, heat source, or object ignited, since legislation changes in 2007.
In 2015, there were 325 structure, mobile property, vegetation and miscellaneous fires caused by fireworks.
This compares with 268 the year before and 319 in the year legislation was tightened.
Station officer at an Auckland Fire Station Wayne Donnelly says people using fireworks should be aware of their surroundings and their neighbours surrounds.
‘‘The biggest thing is to be fire safe around fireworks. That’s all there really is,’’ Donnelly says.
‘‘Be smart, have common sense and look after yourself.’’
Donnelly says animals can also bear the brunt of fireworks and should be kept inside.
The Fire Service encourages people to attend public displays.
In 2006, before tighter legislation was introduced, there were 653 fireworks-related fires.
Fireworks can only be sold for four days prior to and including Guy Fawkes day on November 5. They can only be sold to people over 18.
Donnelly says when the fireworks go on sale, it sparks a busy period which doesn’t die down till a few days after November 5.
On Guy Fawkes day 2015, crews attended 72 fireworksrelated incidents across Auckland, Northland, Hamilton, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
The Fire Service’s safety tips around using fireworks include keeping a bucket of water or a hose handy, not mixing fireworks, alcohol and drugs, and not letting children light fireworks.
Visit fire.org.nz for more tips.