Celebrating Guy Fawkes’ failure to blow up the English Parliament in 1605 with fireworks in Kiwi backyards in 2024 is a strange phenomenon but for many families it's a bit of fun and a chance to teach important fire safety lessons. 

Fire and Emergency (Fenz) urges people to be careful when letting off fireworks for Guy Fawkes, as many parts of NZ are drier than normal for this time of year, meaning fire risks are already heightened.

Fenz community education manager Tom Ronaldson said fireworks cause unwanted fires and the toll these fires can take is significant.

"Since 2019 we have seen 676 fires caused by fireworks, 513 of which were vegetation fires," Tom said.

"One fire caused by fireworks is too many. It is a preventable fire we have to attend. It is also a totally unnecessary fire that may take our crews away from another emergency.

"We’d rather people didn’t buy fireworks but if people are going to purchase fireworks, then before lighting them they should always check it is safe to do so by visiting www.checkitsalright.nz . . . If it is windy and dry in your area, don’t light them."

After checking local bylaws for the rules, people need to have a safe set up when lighting fireworks.

This means:

• Lighting them in a wide-open space, away from anything that could catch fire
• Having a large bucket of water or hose at hand
• Ensuring fireworks are pointed at the sky and won’t end up in anything that can catch fire including buildings or vegetation
• Being a good neighbour - let people know if you’re planning to set fireworks off, especially those with pets and livestock
• Disposing of fireworks safely - soak them in water before you throw them out

Fireworks can be purchased only up until today.

If you are buying fireworks, ensure you store them correctly in a cool, dry place, away from tamariki (children) and anything flammable. 

Radio New Zealand (RNZ) is broadcasting a concert for animals from 6pm so that’s an option to tune in to, to keep your pets calm.

For fireworks safety tips visit FENZ’s web page