Fire and Emergency New Zealand has placed a ban on fireworks and sky lanterns in the Wellington District, along with Canterbury and Kaikōura.
The bans come days after significant fires across the country, and one day before Lunar New Year celebrations.
In Wellington, district community risk manager Phil Soal said fire danger risk in the Wellington District "has escalated".
The ban includes Wellington, Porirua, the Kapiti Coast and the Wairarapa. It came into effect from 8am today.
"We have experienced a hot, windy, and dry summer which has dried out vegetation and this weather is forecast to continue for the coming weeks," said Soal.
"Current weather conditions mean if a vegetation fire was to start, it would be difficult to manage."
In Canterbury and Kaikōura, district commander Dave Stackhouse said it has been "a very busy start" to the year with "several significant fires" across the region.
"There is little to no relief in the forecast for the next two months and the predicted hot, dry, and windy conditions will continue to dry out vegetation even further," Stackhouse said.
"We are facing an ongoing increase in fire danger and any ignition or spark can quickly turn into a dangerous wildfire that can significantly impact life, property, and our communities."
Stackhouse and Soal warned the potential use of fireworks and sky lanterns was "too risky" during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
"Happy Lunar New Year, but please celebrate this safely, without fireworks or sky lanterns."
Both district commanders encouraged people to celebrate the occasion at organised public events, and reminded people about other risky activities during the day.
Pyrotechnics were not part of the ban as these were permitted activity with strict control measures and safety plans.
"Activities such as mowing, operating machinery, cutting, or welding steel can be hazardous and should be carried out during cooler parts of the day," said Soal.
Meanwhile, Stackhouse said the whole of Canterbury was in a prohibited fire season which meant a total fire ban on all fires in the open air.
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