Caution urged on fireworks festivities

St John data showed there were 12 medical emergencies last Guy Fawkes period, four times the number of burns dealt with on average day. Photo / Greg Bowker

Emergency services join forces to remind Guy Fawkes fans of danger.

Fireworks caused 188 fires and injured 12 people last Guy Fawkes, and emergency services are urging New Zealanders to be cautious this year.

Statistics provided to the Herald showed fire crews across the country attended 188 "unnecessary" fires for the month of November which have been blamed on fireworks.

Of those, 19 involved structures and buildings.

St John data showed there were 12 medical emergencies last Guy Fawkes period, four times the number of burns dealt with on average day.

The emergency services have joined forces to remind people of the dangers of fireworks.

Guy Fawkes is tomorrow, and retailers are limited to selling fireworks to customers aged over 18 from Monday this week until close of business tomorrow.

Fire Service fire risk management officer Michael Upton said: "During the Guy Fawkes period we will see more unnecessary fires and injuries due to fireworks, so it is important that people follow simple safety tips to keep themselves safe this year."

He also urged people to familiarise themselves with their local council bylaws - many of which prohibit the use of fireworks in public places such as parks, reserves and beaches.

St John Waitakere territory manager Andrew Everiss said serious burn incidents could easily be avoided.

Mr Everiss said if people were burned, they needed to run the affected area under cool water for at least 20 minutes and call 111 immediately.

New Zealand laws changed in 2006 after a high number of injuries and fires caused by fireworks.

Regulation now covers the importation, sale, storage and usage of fireworks and requires retailers to be certified.