Coromandel fireworks ban in force as summer visitors surge

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says the ban will be in force until the end of January. NZME supplied composite image

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is enforcing a ban on fireworks in the Waikato’s Coromandel Zone.

The ban, which was now in place, would be until Friday, January 30.

This ban, which is possible under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act, prohibited the private use of fireworks. Approved public displays would go ahead.

Fire and Emergency NZ Waikato district manager Daryl Trim said the fire risk across the zone was high.

“We’ve had consistently warm and windy days which has dried out the vegetation.

“The vegetation in this area is mainly scrub, which is very quick to burn when dry.

“It only takes one spark from a firework for a devastating wildfire to start.”

In the past two weeks, there have been two fires caused by fireworks, one near Pauanui and the other near Port Jackson.

“As visitors arrive to spend their summer holidays in the Coromandel, the area will see an increase of about 80,000 people,” Trim said.

“We want to make sure everybody knows to enjoy our public fireworks displays instead of lighting their own.

“Let’s all do our part to protect this beautiful part of our country.”

The Coromandel Zone was already in a restricted fire season, meaning you need a permit approved by Fire and Emergency for most open-air fires, which you can apply for on www.checkitsalright.nz