Everyone after the biggest bang

By CLAIRE TREVETT

The customer at the counter of Soung Yueen Asian food store wants "the long ones".

"Long ones, long gone," replies Kai Luey.

"They sold out on Monday."

The long ones are the Vulcan Magnolias - kingpin of this year's fireworks selection.

Both Soung Yueen and Wah Lees on Hobson St sold out long ago.

Angela Fong at Soung Yueen said there was a reason they are a favourite. "They're the loudest."

Noise, it seems, is the most critical factor in choosing a good firework. But most of the real ear-splitters have sold out - National Salute and Crackling Comets flew off the shelves, leaving many punters to settle for the Orioles, described by Soung Yueen as Howling UFOs.

Despite all the safety warnings, DIY firework displays are still popular.

"The biggest order we had for a household was for $3500 worth. They go through them all in one night. We get die-hard fans in who take cases of National Salutes. They know exactly what they want," Ms Fong said.

The average family spends just over $100.

But on a night where most people are having fun, others are working harder than usual.

Each Guy Fawkes comes with the usual flurry of warnings - for the SPCA, the Fire Service, the police and children advocates, Guy Fawkes is more hard work than good fun.

Already this year, fireworks were linked to a fire that gutted a classroom at Torbay Primary School, "sparkler bombs" have destroyed letter boxes, a childcare centre was badly damaged by fire, a house roof was set on fire and a teenager was hurt by a firework thrown through a car window.

The Blind Foundation has warned that the sparkler is actually a "cocktail of chemicals" which heat up to 700C and spray sparks of molten metal that can enter the eye.

Firefighters in the top half of the North Island attended more than 20 minor blazes involving fireworks between 6pm and 10pm last night.

GUY FAWKES TIPS

Where to buy fireworks

Soung Yueen - Asian food store with a thriving sideline in fireworks.

Wah Lee's - cheap and cheerful. Packed to the hilt with firework hunters.

Williamson Ave, Ponsonby - green corrugated iron shed on the left side heading away from Ponsonby. Look for the handmade sign on the roadside.

Where to see fireworks

An area of Selwyn Reserve in Mission Bay will be fenced off for people to set off their own fireworks. Fireworks are banned at all other public spaces throughout Auckland.

A special liquor ban is in place at many reserves and public spaces during Guy Fawkes weekend, so check areas for signs.

Tomorrow, Family Fireworks Display 2004 at Alexandra Park. Adult $10, child (5-to-15 years) $5, family (two adults and two children) $25.

Fire Service safety hints

Read instructions on the fireworks before using them.

Use a torch to read the instructions.

Light fireworks in a wide open area away from anything that could catch fire.

Don't give them to small children to light.

Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy.

Keep pets inside.

Don't try to relight dud fireworks.

Keep fireworks away from open flame (in closed box).

Burns need water for 10 minutes.