'Have a hmmm' ahead of Guy Fawkes
We accept around 300 claims for fireworks injuries each year, and our tamariki are the most affected. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling for people to be careful particularly with high winds forecast across the motu.
They’re bright, loud and spectacular, but it doesn’t take much for fireworks to turn into a nightmare for your whānau.
We are encouraging New Zealanders to “Have a hmmm” and think about the risks before lighting fireworks on Guy Fawkes.
On average there are around 300 new claims accepted every year by ACC for fireworks injuries.
From 2017 – 2021, we accepted 1,499 fireworks related injury claims. Auckland (569), Waikato (154) and Canterbury (128) were the leading regions for fireworks related injuries.
In 2021, there were 244 new ACC claims from people injured by fireworks, and more than half of these claims were lodged in November.
Common trends every Guy Fawkes
Our data from 2017 to 2021 shows common trends when it comes to fireworks-related injuries:
- burns are the most common injury every year
- hands/wrists are the most common part of the body to be injured every year
- young men and children are among those most likely to be in the line of danger from fireworks
- children under 10 made up around a quarter of ACC fireworks related claims each year
- fireworks injury claims peak in November.
Keeping our tamariki safe
James Whitaker is our Injury Prevention Programme Lead. He says that people need to take the risk of injury at Guy Fawkes seriously.
“Our data shows that many injuries from fireworks are predictable – and this means they’re preventable,” says James.
“If you’re planning to light fireworks this Guy Fawkes night, think about the risks first.
“Check the advice on Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s website for guidance on how to safely light fireworks.”
James says our claims data was a timely reminder about protecting our children.
From 2017 – 2021, tamariki aged 0- 4 suffered the most fireworks related injuries. There were 210 claims accepted for children during this period.
“No one wants their kids to get hurt so think about how your actions might harm others,” he says.
“Think about the things you can do to keep tamariki safe, like making sure they can’t touch sparklers and other fireworks while they’re still burning hot.
“This’ll help to ensure you and your whānau have a memorable time for all the right reasons,” he says.
High winds are forecast
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling for people to be careful particularly with high winds forecast across the motu.
Adrian Nacey is the Fire and Emergency Community Education Manager. He says people shouldn’t light fireworks if it’s too windy.
“It only takes a stray firework to start a fire or hurt someone," he says. “So if you’re lighting fireworks this Guy Fawkes please take simple precautions to keep everyone safe.
“Fireworks can make a fun celebration, but they can also be dangerous and need to be used responsibly.
If there is a public fireworks display in your area, Fire and Emergency encourage you to head along to that rather than light your own.
“But if you do choose to light your own, remember we need everyone to do their part to help keep our communities safe this Guy Fawkes,” says Adrian.
"You don’t want to be the person responsible for damaging a person, property or the environment by not being careful with fireworks."
A temporary ban on the private use of fireworks is in place in Northland’s Karikari Peninsula, Ahipara township and surrounds from 2 November 2022 - 30 April 2023.
There is also a ban on fireworks in Otago’s prohibited fire zones (Mount Iron, Albert Town recreation reserve, Queenstown Red Zone, Shag Point, Buckland’s Crossing, Ruby Island, Stevenson’s Island, Mou Waho, Mou Tapu, Pig Island / Mātau, Pigeon Island / Wāwāhi Waka and Coronet Forest).
Private fireworks will not be permitted in these areas for this period.
Enjoying fireworks safely
Here are some tips from Fire and Emergency New Zealand for a safe Guy Fawkes:
- watch the weather. If it is windy and dry, don’t light fireworks
- supervise your tamariki at all times to make sure they are safe
- read the manufacturer’s instructions, light fireworks in an open area away from anything that could catch fire and keep a bucket of water handy
- remember fire can spread very quickly and a house fire can become unsurvivable within three minutes
- light fireworks on level ground and point fireworks at the stars, not at people or other people’s property
- check local bylaws for the rules around using fireworks in your area. In many places, you're only allowed to light fireworks on private property
- let your neighbours know if you are planning to set off fireworks and keep your pets inside
- dispose of your fireworks safely and soak them in water before you throw them out.
For more fireworks safety tips, head to their website.
