Hawke’s Bay fireworks ban: Fire risk prompts restrictions until March

• Fire and Emergency New Zealand is banning fireworks and sky lanterns in parts of Hawke’s Bay.
• The ban, due to high fire risk, is in place from December 8 until March 31, 2025.
• Hawke’s Bay district manager Glen Varcoe emphasised the risk, citing past fires and current dry conditions.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is prohibiting the use of fireworks and sky lanterns in parts of Hawke’s Bay.

The ban is in place because of the high fire risk for Ahuriri-Heretaunga, Wairoa Coast, Tukituki East and West, the southern Hawke’s Bay coast, and Pōrangahau until March 31, 2025.

Fire and Emergency Hawke’s Bay district manager Glen Varcoe said he had seen fireworks start major fires in past years in hill country and on coasts, “where it’s really difficult for firefighters to get in there and do their work”.

“I think it’s fair to say everyone in Hawke’s Bay is extremely aware of the high fire risk at the moment, so prohibiting fireworks over the holiday period is not going to come as a surprise,” he said.

“Although we’ve had some rain recently, it’s not enough to counter the prevailing dry conditions, in which any spark could still turn into a large fire or a long-duration event.

“We’re pretty sure our firefighters have much better plans for Christmas than that.”

Open-air fires were prohibited in these areas, which meant no fires were allowed outside and all fire permits were suspended, Varcoe said.

“No matter which part of the country you spend your holidays in this year, please consider the wildfire risk and always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or doing activities that could cause sparks.”

A Napier City Council spokeswoman said the firework ban would not affect the planned New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the Soundshell.

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and spent the last 15 years working in radio and media in Auckland, London, Berlin, and Napier. He reports on all stories relevant to residents of the region, along with pieces on art, music, and culture.