Fire Service backs total ban on sale of fireworks

Conducted by BRC Social Marketing and Research for NZ Fire Service. Herald graphic

The Fire Service has joined thousands of New Zealanders in calling for a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks.

Its stance follows the Government's warning on Tuesday that if people were not more responsible with fireworks, sales would be restricted next year.

Several groups, including the SPCA, criticised the Government's approach, saying it should stop delaying the inevitable and ban fireworks immediately.

Yesterday afternoon the Fire Service added its weight to the debate, saying New Zealand was out of step with other Western countries - particularly Australia - in its attitude to firework sales.

National commander Mike Hall said last year was the worst Guy Fawkes period police and firefighters had dealt with in 10 years.

Firefighters attended 1867 fires during the 10-day sales period for fireworks, and police dealt with 1200 firework-related incidents.

As a result, the Fire Service had sought public views on the sale of fireworks and found that about two-thirds of New Zealanders wanted a ban or restrictions.

Mr Hall said that because of those survey results, the service was calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks from next year.

Police Inspector Marc Paynter said police supported the call for a ban, as officers would rather be covering well-organised and safe public displays than "dealing with pockets of mayhem in the suburbs" as they had to do last year.

Despite the calls for a ban the Government wants to try to improve public behaviour with fireworks by running safety and educational campaigns this year.

After the Herald ran a story yesterday on the Government's plan, the paper received more than 200 emails.

The overwhelming majority called for tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks.

Most supported public displays but wanted a ban on people being able to buy them at shops.

The emails echoed the thoughts of thousands of other New Zealanders who have participated in polls or signed petitions against the sale of fireworks.

In 1994 Parliament banned firecrackers and skyrockets, but opted against a full ban.

In 1996, when the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Bill was considered, the topic was debated again.

On both occasions it was decided the irresponsible use of fireworks by a few did not justify depriving families of the enjoyment of fireworks by introducing a full ban.