The Fire Service and the Otago Rural Fire Authority are urging people to take extreme care this Guy Fawkes night as dry conditions continue to create a fire risk.
Authority rural principal fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said people setting off fireworks tomorrow night had to be extra cautious given the destruction Saddle Hill fires caused by warm temperatures and strong winds early last month.
''The recent fire danger in Otago has been fluctuating from moderate to extreme depending on the weather and winds of the day,'' Dr Rotarangi said.
''The Saddle Hill and Dunback fires are examples of how quickly a fire can travel during windy, dry weather conditions.''
The Fire Service attended 277 fireworks-related fires in New Zealand during the Guy Fawkes period last year, as well as a number of vegetation fires, Dr Rotarangi said.
It was important that people checked weather conditions before setting off fireworks and followed safety tips, she said.
These included following instructions on the fireworks and using a torch to do so; lighting them in a wide, open area; keeping a hose or bucket of water close by and not letting children light them.
People were also urged to dispose of faulty fireworks safely and not try to relight them.
Authority East Otago and Southland fire risk management officer Catherine Trevathan said firefighters were preparing for a busy time.
''Guy Fawkes has traditionally been a very busy time for urban and rural firefighters,'' she said.
''Firefighters will be attending a number of fires and fireworks-related injuries over the next few weeks.
''These incidents are totally avoidable if people use fireworks safely.''
Anyone responsible for causing a fireworks-related fire could be liable for costs associated with extinguishing it, she said.
