Fireworks go on sale today ahead of Guy Fawkes Night on Tuesday.
While retailers will be hoping sales to rocket, fireworks have been a fading tradition in recent years.
''I think fireworks displays have become less popular. There is less discretionary income about and more bureaucratic hurdles now,'' Dunedin pyrotechnician David Howard said yesterday.
''Over the last couple of decades, we have seen bureaucrats trying to eliminate risk, which is impossible. You can minimise risk, but you can't eliminate it.
''There are some simple ways to mitigate risk. Always set fireworks off with your profile side-on to them. If you don't front them, they can't blow your head off. Fireworks are an inherently dangerous activity and that's part of the delight. But human beings need to celebrate or we get depressed.''
The strict sale conditions meant the Otago Daily Times was unable to obtain a photograph of fireworks yesterday, as retailers were instructed to keep stocks quarantined until this morning. Permits had been issued for 17 bonfires in Dunedin on Guy Fawkes Night, compared with 22 last year, principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said yesterday.
''We get a lot of hedge fires at this time of year and there are some common-sense things people can do to avoid problems. Don't use fireworks around dry vegetation, or fire them into dry vegetation,'' Mr Still said.
''For people with bonfire permits, make sure you keep them manageable. They don't need to be as big as a house. People should also make sure they are fully extinguished before going to bed.''
Fireworks-related injury claims cost more than $191,000 in New Zealand last year, ACC insurance and prevention services manager John Beaglehole said yesterday.
''Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure fireworks are stable and light them well away from people and buildings,'' Mr Beaglehole said.
''If you're enjoying a beer or wine on Guy Fawkes night, it's probably best to have a designated non-drinking person in charge of letting off the fireworks. And keep an eye on your kids.''
It was also important to prepare pets for Guy Fawkes celebrations, the New Zealand Veterinary Association advised yesterday.
''The fifth of November every year sees veterinary clinics treating injured and traumatised pets, particularly dogs, because of fireworks displays,'' NZVA Companion Animal Society president Cath Watson said.
''Even well-managed fireworks displays at home or nearby can result in anxiety and distress for pets. The terror they cause animals might be indirect, but it can be very distressing and lead to pets attempting to escape and potentially putting themselves in harm's way,'' Dr Watson said.
''Close curtains to dampen noise and prevent flashes of light from affecting your pet. Use familiar sounds, such as the TV, to further drown out the sound of fireworks. When you're sure fireworks are over, reassure and comfort your pet and help them settle.''
Guy Fawkes Night, or Gunpowder Treason Day as it was originally known, celebrates the capture of Guy Fawkes while he plotting to blow up the English House of Lords and assassinate King James I on November 5, 1605.
Fireworks are available from today till Tuesday, but sales are restricted to people aged 18 and older.
Safety tips
• Have a designated non-drinking person in charge of fireworks.
• Do not expose your front when setting off fireworks. Set them off side-on.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water.
• Always light one firework at a time.
• Keep pets safe indoors.
• Never fool around with fireworks. Even sparklers can reach 980degC, which is hot enough to melt gold.
• Never attempt to relight a dud firework.
• Make sure skyrockets are set off from a stable container.
• Do not set off fireworks near dry vegetation.
• Keep bonfires manageable and ensure they are extinguished before going to bed.
