With fireworks going on sale tomorrow, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is once again urging Kiwis to be smart and safe when setting them off.
Kiwis will be able to buy fireworks between November 2 and November 5 ahead of Guy Fawkes on Tuesday.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, FENZ senior community engagement and education specialist Tom Ronaldson said the fire service usually gets “busy” at this time of year.
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen 676 incidents caused by fireworks, 513 of which are vegetation fires,” he said.
He said that if you were choosing to light fireworks this Guy Fawkes, it was “really important” to check the conditions before setting them off.
This can be done by heading to checkitsalright.nz.
“If it’s dry or windy, do not light your fireworks.
“Next, it’s really important that you find a nice wide-open area away from anything that can catch fire, like trees or buildings.”
Ronaldson described this as anywhere that’s wide-open, flat, and not dry.
He also recommended people be “courteous” to their neighbours and check in on them, making sure can keep their pets, animals, or livestock safe.
It was also important to make sure you had a big bucket of water on hand.
“So that you can submerge the fireworks once you’ve finished with them before you dispose of them,” Ronaldson said.
If you see your neighbours lighting fireworks in an unsafe way, he suggested people talk to them or call the police on 105 if they aren’t comfortable doing that.
He also recommended people avoid using older fireworks from previous years.
“The fireworks are made out of cardboard, and they can break down or get moisture in them, which means they may not go off as intended.
“So, we would recommend that you dispose of them safely.”
Ronaldson also urged people not to store their fireworks and save them for New Year’s.
“That is dangerous, especially because that’s when it’s drier and warmer.
“So we recommend that if you are going to buy fireworks, use them now.”
