Editorial: Time to crack down on fireworks?

Do we need to crack down further on fireworks sales?

Guy Fawkes was a bit of a rebel.

He did after all try to kill the King of England.

The fact that he and the other Gunpowder Plotters failed is why we celebrate by sending sparks into the night on November 5.

It was on that night in 1605 that Guy Fawkes was found guarding the gunpowder below the House of Lords.

The people of London lit bonfires to rejoice that their King should live another day. Years later we carry on their tradition with our crackers and Roman candles.

Fireworks go on sale today. You have to be 18 or older to buy them until November 5.

Restrictions around their sale were tightened a few years ago but debate still rages about whether they should be sold over the counter at all.

It is generally a family affair but unfortunately there are always one or two people that have similar rebellious traits to Mr Fawkes.

Rockets sometimes go haywire. Te Mata Peak was temporarily scarred from a fireworks display gone wrong last year.

Crews are called to put out small fires due to little whoopsies and have to deal with those who have been negligent or careless or even worse, used the sparkling entertainment for sinister purposes.

Then there are those working in the Emergency Department who have to clean up the mess when people mix fireworks with alcohol and drugs.

It only takes a slip of a hand to burn yourself.

And finally our furry friends must be shut inside to scamper under the bed as the night howls and booms.

While it can be fun lighting up the backyard with sparklers is it really worth it for the trouble they cause?

I wonder if it's time we left it to the professionals who really know how to light up the sky.