Council urges safe use of fireworks

Guy Fawkes season is about to start with fireworks going on sale soon and Auckland Council says: “Fireworks are fun, but they can also be dangerous.”

“New Zealand has strict rules around the purchase and sale of fireworks,” it says.

“They’re sold for four days leading up to and including Guy Fawkes, November 2-5.

“You must be 18 years old and have a valid ID to buy fireworks.”

The council’s parks and community facilities acting general manager, Julie Pickering, is asking Aucklanders to be mindful of others and act responsibly when lighting up fireworks.

“Letting off fireworks on Guy Fawkes night is a fun event for those who choose to,” she says.

“However, we ask Aucklanders to be considerate of others who don’t chose to participate and be mindful that some people, who could be your neighbours, and pets, can find the noise and lights of fireworks stressful.

“Please keep a close watch on your children when using fireworks and have water on hand to put out any fire that could start.

“Aucklanders should also be aware that using fireworks in parks and on beaches across the region is not allowed,” Pickering says.

Meanwhile, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority is closing public access to 14 maunga/mountains/volcanic cones across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from Sunday, November 2, to Wednesday, November 5, from 6.30pm to 7am, to protect them from fires.

The council’s advice and rules regarding fireworks safety:

• Fireworks can only be let off on private property.
• It’s not legal to light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as parks and beaches, across the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau.
• Lighting fireworks is also prohibited in forests, conservation areas and on road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.
• Make sure yourself and others stand well back from fireworks once they are lit.
• Inform your neighbours if possible and avoid using fireworks after 10pm.
• Have water or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Read and follow fireworks handling instructions carefully.
• Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
• Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.
• Always have a responsible adult present.
• Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.
• On rural private land during Guy Fawkes season, bonfires are allowed but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguished before nightfall.
• Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away. They must be secured.
• Don’t store fireworks after Guy Fawkes as it’s hard to know if they’ll be safe to use at a later date.

The council says Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises visiting its website for restrictions and fire safety advice.

Elly Waitoa, the council’s Animal Management manager, urges Aucklanders to pay particular attention to their pets leading into Guy Fawkes, and especially on the night itself.

“Please plan ahead and ensure your pets are safe and well-confined if you aren’t at home.

“Having a safe place inside for your pets is always a good idea and please give your pets extra care during Guy Fawkes.

“During this time, we usually see an increase in the number of dogs entering Auckland Council animal shelters so make sure your dog is registered and microchipped,” says Waitoa.

“This will make it easier for us to reunite you with your dog if it gets lost.”