Firefighters responded to 30 fireworks-related calls during last night's Guy Fawkes festivities, including a "large blaze" in Dunedin.
In Auckland's north, police also responded to reports of a group letting off fireworks at cars and houses.
Among them was a “reasonably large blaze” near Dunedin that required nine trucks and between 30 to 40 staff to fight. Several fires in Wānaka also “tied up our resources”, Fire and Emergency New Zealand community resilience manager Adrian Nancy said.
“It’s a real strain on our resources, and it’s not where we want to be,” Nancy said.
At around 10pm in Auckland's Whangaparāoa, police were made aware of a group of people letting off fireworks at cars and houses. The group dispersed before police could arrive. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
Nancy said, however, the numbers had improved from previous years. In 2024, firefighters responded to 32 fireworks-related calls – in 2023, they responded to over 40.
“We’re really grateful to people and communities across New Zealand that are absolutely taking steps to be more careful with the times they set off fireworks,” Nancy said.
“So not doing it when it's particularly windy and when they are setting them off, being more cautious.”
FENZ says it responded to a "large" fireworks-related fire near Dunedin during Guy Fawkes last night. (Source: Supplied)
While Guy Fawkes Night is over, people would likely still light their leftover fireworks over the coming days. Nancy said that because it’s particularly warm and windy, those wanting to set them off needed to be careful.
“If it's windy and warm, do not set those fireworks off.
“If you are going to set them off, if you’ve found a still spot where you are around the country, please set them off in a nice, clear area away from anything that can catch fire, keep them pointed towards the sky.
“Be really conscious of your community, people with animals, the elderly, and when you’re done with those fireworks, please put them in a bucket of cold water, cool them down before you put them in the bin.”
Last night’s festivities come as NZ First submitted a members bill proposing a ban on the sale and use of fireworks by the general public.
Leader Winston Peters said fireworks cause fires, create havoc for emergency services, and impacts pets, farm animals, and native wildlife.
“It’s a case of enough’s enough,” he told Breakfast yesterday.
The bill needs to be pulled from the ballot to go before the House.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including new speed cameras rolling out, fireworks start fires around the country, and Bluey’s new Christmas project. (Source: 1News)
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