Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) wants anyone setting off fireworks this Guy Fawkes to carefully plan their display. 

FENZ Central Otago Group Manager Bobby Lamont says the local fire risk rating is currently “moderate”.

"The current fire danger indices for Central Otago’s Guy Fawkes Night are showing mild South/South East winds (up to 20km/h) with temperatures ranging in the mid-to-high teens (Cromwell looks to get to 21 deg C) and humidity levels dropping to 33% in some areas.

"What this means in terms of fire danger is that even though we are seeing a lot of green growth around Central, the potential for fire works to start a fire in the vegetation is still very high and any ignition will spread quickly through any available fuels, driven by the winds and low humidity this will be difficult for our volunteer fire brigades to control initially."

Follow these tips to reduce the risk of starting a fire when using fireworks:

•    Don’t light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
•    Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any fireworks.
•    Light your fireworks in a wide-open area, away from anything that could catch fire, like dry grass, leaves or crops, or flammable gases or liquids.
•    Keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher handy.

Lighting fireworks safely

•    Only adults should light fireworks.
•    Keep all unlit fireworks in their box or bag until you’re ready to light them.
•    Point fireworks at the stars, not at people or anyone’s home.
•    Leave dud or damaged fireworks alone.
•    Dispose of used fireworks safely, soak them in water before throwing them out.

Be considerate with fireworks

•    Do not use fireworks after 10.30pm, and try to let your neighbours know in advance.
•    If you're in a rural area, make sure you do not set off fireworks around farm animals.
•    If you do get burned, hold your burn under cold running water for 20 minutes.
•    Keep your pets inside.

FENZ Risk Reduction and Investigations Manager Todd O’Donoghue says on average crews have been called to around 200 fireworks-related callouts each Guy Fawkes period in recent years. 

"Good planning and preparation can help avoid a potentially dangerous situation," he says. 

He says ACC data shows the most at risk groups for fireworks related injuries are children under 10 and men aged under 35. 

"Borrowing a line from the team at ACC, if you’re going to use fireworks, have a hmmm before you start. Think about who may get harmed if a fire were to start and spread."

ACC injury prevention programme leader James Whitaker says, "most injuries are predictable and can be prevented”.

"If you can see it coming, you can stop it happening."

"When it comes to fireworks, ACC data shows that tamariki are among those most likely to be harmed and need ACC support.

"No one wants their kids to get hurt so think about how your actions might harm others.

"If you’re thinking of lighting your own fireworks this year, check the advice from Fire and Emergency first," James says.