With a bout of wild weather forecast, Southern Fire Region fire safety officer Stuart Ide told the Queenstown Times people should take care with changeable conditions and fireworks.
"If it's windy, don't do it," Mr Ide said. "If it's looking bad, then set something off the next day or sometime further down the road."
Location, he said, was also important and in no circumstances should people set fireworks off above the bushline, where sparks could drift into the scrub.
"We should exercise special care up here ... especially as the mountain and skifield areas can go up [in flames] very quickly."
He advised people to follow the instructions on fireworks packaging, have a bucket of water or a hose on hand, and never try to re-light, or open failed fireworks.
Carevets owner-director Dr Ngaire Mace also called for people to set off fireworks in "safe areas, away from houses and where people have horses".
When contacted by the Queenstown Times, Dr Mace said all pets, including "small furries", such as guinea pigs and rabbits, should be kept indoors while fireworks are being set off.
For animals easily frightened by loud noises, she said it was "essential" for them to have a hiding place, such as a bathroom, under a table or in a cupboard, where they should be left to hide.
Comforting frightened animals may seem natural, but it should be avoided, she said, as it "rewards them and reinforces the behaviour".
"Make sure they are safe inside, the curtains are drawn, and the TV or some music on, so the noise is not so dramatic."
Guy Fawkes day is tomorrow.
