Praise for fireworks safety

Firefighters in Rotorua are praising public safety after very few call outs were received over Guy Fawke's and the weekend.

The Rotorua Fire Brigade is praising the public for their safe use of fireworks this year.

Senior station officer Jim Prescott said they received a couple of fireworks-related callouts early on Saturday evening but otherwise had a quiet night.

"We had a bit of rain earlier in the week which would have helped the situation. It could have been different if it had been dry all week.

"That, coupled with people being safety conscious, would have resulted in less callouts."

Mr Prescott said the fireworks had been well controlled at the weekend.

"The safety messages we have been spreading are obviously sinking in and the public are not being complacent when dealing with fireworks. We are pleased we had quiet nights this year because in the past Guy Fawkes has been one of our busiest nights nationally. Whatever the reason may be for the diminishing number of incidents, we're grateful for it and hope to see it continue."

Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Service acting chief Francis Boag said they too were quiet on Guy Fawkes and only had a couple of callouts at the weekend.

"There were a couple [callouts] that were likely fireworks-related. I'd say it was probably on par with previous years for us."

Mr Boag said it was a relief not to have to go to anything serious caused by fireworks and he echoed the Rotorua Fire Brigade's praise. "Attending only a couple of incidents is testament to the public taking on board the need to be vigilant around Guy Fawkes and means there are less injuries and damaged property."

A Northern Fire Communications spokesman said the number of callouts relating to fireworks across the Bay of Plenty was minimal at the weekend.