Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) have banned fireworks at Sandy Point Reserve and Fosbender Park in Otatara, and Awarua Bay for the next two weeks (6-20 Nov).

The ban, imposed under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, will take effect from 8am on 6 November - the morning after Guy Fawkes night (5 Nov) - until 11.59pm on 20 November.

Southland District Manager Julian Tohiariki said the areas had been singled out as popular spots for people to let off fireworks and vegetation types that could easily start a fire.

"Although things have been extremely wet in Southland things are starting to dry," 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, Tohiariki said people lighting fireworks elsewhere should check the conditions first and only light them if it is safe to do so.

Fireworks are banned from Awarua (area highlighted) for the next two weeks. Graphic: FENZ

"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, he said.

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.

The current two-week fireworks ban includes:

- Sand 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.