Guy Fawkes Night could be set to be a fizzer in the South.
A dearth of public events, few bonfire applications, lagging fireworks sales and wet weather in some areas have conspired to potentially make this one of the quieter Guy Fawkes in recent memory.
However, Otago principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said windy conditions forecast this weekend could spark unintended fires if fireworks went off course.
"The long-range forecast is for it to be quite windy, which is not what we want.''
He said he did not want to dampen people's fun, but urged caution using fireworks, especially when wind could carry projectiles into shrubbery.
"You have got to be mindful of where you set them, and mindful of where they land.''
The forecast across much of Otago and Southland is for scattered showers today and tomorrow with strong winds rising to gale force at times, clearing on Guy Fawkes Day on Monday when winds are also set to ease.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand had received only 10 applications for private bonfires in Otago, down from last year.
There were no fire bans in Otago and Southland, but fires are by permit only in certain areas of Southland near forestry, native reserves and vegetation.
Mr Still said the number of public and private events had fallen in recent years, thanks in largely to growing safety and liability concerns.
"It's getting less and less each year, definitely.''
Events previously held at Outram, Waitati School and Purakaunui were not running in 2018.
The only public event near Dunedin appears to be in three weeks, a fireworks display at Beachlands Speedway to coincide with the Otago Saloon Championships.
SPCA Dunedin animal welfare director Jeff Herkt said animals were highly sensitive to sound, and fireworks could engender extreme stress.
He urged animal-owners to keep their pets inside where possible, and if their animals usually lived outside, to move them into the garage for the night.
