Authorities urge 'common sense' this Guy Fawkes season as firework sales boom

In Whanganui, the soon-to-open discount supermarket Crackerjack has opened it's doors early to sell fireworks. Photo / Bevan Conley

As shockwaves of sound and bursts of colour once again light up the skies, authorities are urging Whanganui residents to take precautions to keep themselves safe this fireworks season.

Fireworks officially went on sale on Tuesday, and are legally able to be sold until 11:59pm on Friday night.

This year, major retailer The Warehouse has pulled fireworks from its shelves for good, leaving the market in the hands of local retailers at pop-up stores.

In Whanganui, the soon-to-open discount supermarket Crackerjack has opened its doors early to sell fireworks - it's one of the few retailers in the city offering them.

Crackerjack CEO Craig Faulkner said the decision was sparked by the lack of stores selling fireworks in the city, as well as the company's already established supply from offering the product at its other stores.

"We thought we'd still do the fireworks while we're setting up the store, and by all accounts it's going pretty well in Whanganui."

The store sells fireworks in packs, usually in buckets.

"There's about five or six varieties of buckets, ranging in price. I can see the live company sales, and I can say I'm expecting to sell out of stock before Friday."

But Faulkner warned international shipping issues meant consumers can expect to pay more for their fireworks this year.

For example, a box of fireworks the company sold for $99 last year now costs $119.

"It's the freight, it's as simple as that. But our margins have reduced too, so we're taking some of the hit."

Meanwhile, authorities are urging people to play it safe when using fireworks.

A Whanganui District Council spokesperson said four-legged friends are the biggest concern when it comes to fireworks, and advises local pet owners to keep their animals indoors if there are fireworks in their neighbourhood.

Fireworks, as well as the lighting of fires generally, cannot be done in public spaces, the spokesperson said.

The SPCA is also warning of the impact fireworks can have on animals, urging the public to take extra care.

"The period around Guy Fawkes Day is a frightening time for animals, with the loud explosions and bright flashes causing severe distress and anxiety in pets and farmed animals," the organisation said.

When it came to fire safety, Fire and Emergency's Whanganui/Ruapehu Risk Reduction Advisor John Hotter said there were common-sense rules the service was trying to get out to people.

"These are really key things, like ensuring there are things in place in case things go pear-shaped."

Those include making sure fireworks are always pointed at the sky, as well as having a bucket of water on hand should things go wrong.

"Fireworks have caused damage and injuries in the past, so it's important people are responsible."

Top tips to help animals around fireworks

• Never let fireworks off close to animals.
• Keep pets indoors, where possible. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Turn on your radio or TV to help drown out loud bangs with familiar sounds.
• Make sure your cat or dog has somewhere comforting to hide, such as an igloo bed or covered crate, or set up a bed for them where they feel safe to retreat to.
• For rural properties, make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks and stables thoroughly for anything which could cause injury, such as protruding nails.
• Don't light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
• Keep a bucket of water handy.
• Leave dud or damaged fireworks alone and soak used fireworks before throwing them away.
• As a matter of courtesy, inform your neighbours if you are using fireworks, and don't light them after 10.30 pm.
Source: SPCA/Fire and Emergency NZ