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  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

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    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

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  • Get out - stay out!

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    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

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Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Fireworks ban for parts of Southland District

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Fireworks ban for parts of Southland District

5 Whiringa-ā-rangi 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is banning the use of fireworks for parts of the Southland District for the next two weeks.

The ban includes:

- Sandy Point Reserve and Fosbender Park: from the northern boundary of Fosbender Park in a line west to Oreti beach out to the mean high tide mark.

- Awarua Bay area including Awarua Bay Road, all land within the Tiwai Peninsula (excluding the smelter) and any gravel pits within the area.

The ban comes into effect at 8am on 6 November and runs until 11.59pm on 20 November.

Fire and Emergency has imposed the ban under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act which allows Fire and Emergency to restrict activities that may start or cause the spread of fire.

Southland District Manager Julian Tohiariki says these areas have been singled out as popular spots for people to let off fireworks and vegetation types that can easily start a fire.

"Although things have been extremely wet in Southland things are starting to dry," Julian Tohiariki says.

"The weather forecast for Thursday and Friday is for temperatures in the 20s with possible strong winds."

While the above areas now have a fireworks ban in place, Julian Tohiariki says people lighting fireworks elsewhere should check the conditions first and only light them if it is safe to do so.

"People should always check it is safe to light their fireworks by visiting www.checkitsalright.nz, clicking on fireworks and then checking it's alright to light. If it is windy and dry in your area, don’t light them."

If it is safe to light, people can take some simple precautions to keep everyone safe. This starts with checking for local bylaws for the rules around using fireworks in your area.

Once that is complete, people should make sure they have a safe set up when lighting fireworks. This means:

- Lighting them in a wide-open space, away from anything that could catch fire

- Having a large bucket of water or hose at hand.

- Ensuring your fireworks are pointed at the sky and won’t end up in anything that can catch fire including buildings or vegetation.

- Being a good neighbour. Letting people know around you if you’re planning to set fireworks off, especially those with pets and livestock.

- Disposing of your fireworks safely - soak them in water before you throw them out.

Please see the below maps for the areas covered.

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