Ōtautahi – Fire and Emergency is calling for people to be careful when letting off explosive fireworks this Guy Fawkes, particularly with high winds forecast across the motu.
It seems strange that Fire and Emergency does not call for a ban on fireworks, because of the dangers.
Fire and Emergency says people shouldn’t light fireworks if it’s too windy. People just do any way. The fire service receives hundreds of call outs a year on Guy Fawkes night.
Kiwis can buy fireworks between tomorrow and Saturday only if they are over 18 years old. Sparklers can only be bought if they are packaged up with other fireworks. Why?
Guy Fawkes night in New Zealand is a ridiculous event when it is much warmer than the UK on November 5.
The origin of Guy Fawkes dates back to 1605 when a group of 12 men tried to blow up Britain’s House of Parliament.
The event became known as the Gunpowder Plot and included Fawkes, who established his reputation as one of Britain’s most notorious traitors.
By trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament it was intended they would kill the King, maybe even the Prince of Wales, and the members of parliament who were making life difficult for Catholics.
Fireworks are dangerous and pose a high fire risk and a serious danger to people.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand offer so many suggestions how people can safely be involved on Guy Fawkes night.
The fire service says fireworks can make a fun celebration, but they can also be dangerous and need to be used responsibly. Why don’t they lead a call to ban fireworks permanently?
A temporary ban on the private use of fireworks is in place on Northland’s Karikari Peninsula, Ahipara township and surrounds from 2 November 2022 – 30 April 2023. Private fireworks will not be permitted in these areas for this period.
