New Zealand Fire and Emergency Services has banned the use of fireworks and sky lanterns in the Wellington area, along with Canterbury and Kaikoura.
The ban comes days after massive fires broke out across the country and a day before Lunar New Year celebrations.
In Wellington, district community risk manager Phil Saul said the fire risk in the Wellington area was “increasing”.
The prohibited areas include Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa. It came into effect from 8 a.m. today.
“We have experienced a hot, windy and dry summer that has killed plants. This weather is expected to continue for the next few weeks,” Sol said.
“With the current weather conditions, if a vegetation fire were to occur, it would be difficult to control.”
In Canterbury and Kaikoura, district commander Dave Stackhouse said the year had had a “very busy start” with “several significant fires” across the region.
“There is little relief in the forecast for the next two months, and the expected warm, dry and windy conditions will continue to make vegetation drier,” Mr Stackhouse said.
“We are facing an increased fire risk, and any ignition or spark can quickly turn into a dangerous wildfire, with significant impacts on life, property and our communities.”
Stackhouse and Saul warned that the potential use of fireworks and sky lanterns during Lunar New Year celebrations was “too risky”.
“Happy New Year, but please celebrate safely without fireworks or sky lanterns.”
Commanders from both districts encouraged people to celebrate the occasion with organized public events and reminded people about other dangerous activities during the day.
Fireworks were not included in the ban as they were a permitted activity subject to strict control measures and safety plans.
“Work such as mowing grass, operating machinery, cutting steel, and welding can be dangerous and should be done during cooler parts of the day,” Sol says.
Meanwhile, Stackhouse said all of Canterbury was in a fire ban, meaning all outdoor fires were completely banned.
