Firefighters say the most fun fireworks are those set off safely and ask people to think before they start lighting them.
Photo: RNZ / Rob Dixon

Firefighters are asking people to stop setting off fireworks this weekend as conditions are too dangerous.

While conditions were wet in some areas, including the state of emergency declared in South Westland Due to flooding and landslides, many other parts of the country were hot and very dry, meaning fires could take root and spread quickly, Fire and Emergency Services said.

Crews had already been overwhelmed by fireworks-related calls, responding to more than 80 requests for help since Nov. 2, double the number from the same period last year.

FENZ community education manager Tom Ronaldson said when hot and windy conditions mixed with fireworks it created a dangerous scenario.

Among the firefighters on high alert were those in Hawke’s Bay, as temperatures were forecast to rise there this weekend.

MetService forecast warm northwesterly winds and a sweltering 30 degrees in Hastings on Saturday, followed by 27 degrees on Sunday.

Joel Fraser, senior station officer at Hastings, said the combination of hot, dry and windy conditions inevitably increased the risk of fire, and his station was busy so they were keeping a close eye on things.

The northwest wind not only dried out the plains but could also spread wildfires and controlled burns, he said.

Hawke’s Bay will move into a restricted fire season next week.

People should always visit the Check the website Okay to make sure it was okay to light fires or cook outside.