Wanganui and South Taranaki fire risk management officer Shane Dudley said there had been an improvement in public responsibility around fireworks in the past few years but the fire service was still getting a lot of "unwanted calls" around Guy Fawkes time.
"It's getting better, but in saying that if you get Guy Fawkes falling on a Saturday night all sorts of bad things can start to happen.
"We get the odd [house] fire, but mostly it's nuisance rubbish fire calls."
Anyone wanting to light a bonfire would need to contact the Whanganui Area Office for a special permit, which can be used until November 10, he said.
A Guy Fawkes permit allowed holders to keep bonfires burning until 10pm, instead of the usual dusk restrictions.
The New Zealand Fire Service is encouraging people to make the most of big, public Guy Fawkes fireworks displays.
Risk Management Assistant National Commander Rob Saunders said there had been a dramatic reduction in fireworks-related emergency calls since 2007, when a law change saw the minimum purchase age raised from 14 to 18 and sales restricted to the four days up to and including November 5.
Previously sales were permitted for 10 days.
"In recent years the only noticeable increase in fire-related calls has been on the nights that the event is widely celebrated - usually the two Saturdays closest to November 5," said Mr Saunders.
He believed a growing number of people chose to attend large, public displays rather than buy their own fireworks.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is advising pet owners to prepare pets psychologically and physically for Guy Fawkes celebrations.
President of NZVA's Companion Animal Society Dr Cath Watson said every year following November 5, veterinary clinics treated injured and traumatised pets, particularly dogs.
"Even well-managed fireworks displays at home or nearby can result in anxiety and distress for pets," Dr Watson said. "It can lead to pets attempting to escape and potentially putting themselves in harm's way." She advised pet owners to ask their local council where planned firework displays would occur.