Fireworks ban a burning issue for Max

Max Ward, pictured with mother Alison, picked up a cracker when its wick went out. It exploded. Picture / Martin Sykes

Thirteen-year-old Max Ward won't be going anywhere near fireworks this Guy Fawkes.

In 2004, Max lost the sight in his right eye after a firecracker exploded in his face.

He was at a barbecue with family friends when the accident happened.

"I lit the firecracker on the ground but the wick went out because it was raining, so I picked it up and it exploded," said Max, who lives in Epsom.

"I can't really remember what happened but it went straight into my eye and it hurt heaps."

Max, who is now in Year 9 at St Kentigern College in Pakuranga, was rushed to hospital, but surgery failed to save his sight.

He now has a cosmetic eye, which fits over his damaged eye. "It hasn't changed my life much. My cosmetic eye is good because you can't really tell it's not real," he said.

But he does have a message for other kids: "Don't do anything stupid with fireworks."

Max's mother Alison wants the sale of fireworks banned. She said the family hadn't bought any since Max's accident and didn't plan to in the future.

"I think they are too available, particularly to children. There's no control over them. To me they are like making bombs available to little children to play with.

"Obviously there are regulations around the purchase of them, but kids can get around that pretty easily," she said. "To have them available to let off in your back garden is just really dangerous."

She said the safest way to enjoy fireworks was through public displays. "Fireworks are a wonderful source of enjoyment ... and I think public displays are a great way to celebrate Guy Fawkes.

"Fireworks have changed over the years and what's available now is pretty high-powered. It's definitely time to ban them."



GUY FAWKES SAFETY

The official warning this year:

* If lighting fireworks, think about your safety.

* Read and follow the instructions.

* Light in a wide open area away from anything that could catch fire.

* Don't mix fireworks and alcohol/drugs.

* Don't let children light fireworks.

* Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy.

* Keep all unlit fireworks in a box or bag.

* Don't try to re-light dud fireworks.

* Think about others: Put away fireworks after 10.30pm.


Retailers are being asked to:

* Promote safety messages.

* Sell only to people over 14.

* Not offer discounts for bulk quantities.