Public urged to be 'safe and sensible' over fireworks season

Fire and Emergency NZ is urging the public to be safe and sensible with fireworks, particularly around children. They encourage people to consider attending public fireworks displays like the one planned at the Gisborne Speedway Club (pictured) on Saturday night. File picture

Fireworks go on sale in the district from today and firefighters encourage people to take all the right precautions to keep themselves, and their children, safe.

Cracker sales remain restricted to a four-day period from November 2 until November 5 each year.

The regulations do not ban the public from using fireworks at other times of the year.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) encourages the public to attend public displays and the big one this weekend will be the Jukes Carriers Fireworks Meeting at the Gisborne Speedway Club on Saturday night.

“If you’re buying fireworks for use at home, please use them safely and have precautions in place,” a senior firefighter said.

“Definitely look after your whānau, particularly the children, because the little ones can sometimes get a little bit too close to the action.

“Be mindful of your neighbours, and their pets too.”

The rain this week will have dampened down the risk of fireworks setting fire to vegetation, he said.

“There’s no heightened, immediate fire risk around the region at present, based on our fire weather index indices.”

The district remains in an open fire season, which means bonfires can be lit on the region’s beaches.

“We ask that people ensure their fires are out before leaving the beach,” the senior firefighter said.

“Take a bucket with you and douse the fire thoroughly before leaving.

“Also, ensure you light the fire below the high tide mark.

“Fires can keep going under the sand for a long time and they pose a risk,” he said.

“Overall this Guy Fawkes season, be safe and sensible with your crackers.”