But the total number of bonfires set to burn across Otago is unknown, as it is the first year a permit is not required to light a bonfire in an urban area.
Otago Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said changes in legislation had resulted in the authority only having powers to issue permits in rural areas rather than in all areas, as in past Guy Fawkes.
The authority had issued eight bonfire permits for private Guy Fawkes events in Otago rural areas this year — five in rural Dunedin City areas, one in Queenstown and two in Clutha. The number of bonfire permits issued in rural areas in Otago this year was down about 50% on past years, he said.
Otago Regional Council environmental monitoring and operations director Scott MacLean said the Otago air plan allowed for celebratory fires, such as Guy Fawkes bonfires, and the council had no legislative power to issue fire permits.
East Otago area fire commander Laurence Voight said although a permit was not needed to light a bonfire in an urban area, he warned people against it because it would be a potential hazard to property.
"We encourage people to participate in public displays of fireworks and actively discourage people from having private bonfires in the urban fire district."
East Otago fire risk management officer Mark Bredenbeck said the Fire Service reviewed safety plans for people holding public firework displays. He had seen three safety plans for public firework displays in East Otago — in Balclutha, Lawrence and at Beachlands Speedway in Dunedin.
Speedway promoter Ricky Boulton said the display would be held at the conclusion of stock car racing on the Waldronville track on November 12.
About $8000 worth of fireworks would be launched for nearly 20 minutes.
"It’ll be quite a display."
SPCA Otago business development manager Kirsty Thomson wanted people to check their bonfires "for little furry inhabitants" before lighting up.
"Make a big noise and scare out any inhabitants who may have moved in."
