Take your fireworks home with you

Following a major fire at Fletchers Bay in the north of the Coromandel, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people to take any firewiorks home.

The fire, which has burnt through five hectares, is believed to have been started by fireworks. The fire is contained, and firefighters will be dampening down hot spots today using a helicopter and ground crews.

“The Fletchers Bay fire is an example of the risk of fireworks, and the challenge of fire fighting in an isolated area,” says Paul Shaw, Principal Rural Fire Officer for the Thames-Coromandel.

“It is very dry in the Coromandel and the recent rain has not been enough to make a real difference. People need to be aware of the risks and the consequences of their actions.”

“Especially as some of the things that make the Coromandel so special – the bush and the isolation – also make it particularly hard to get to and fight any fires that do start”.

“The last thing we want is for people’s summer holidays to be ruined by a fire that causes harm to people, or damages property or our environment,” said Paul Shaw.

“A total fire ban is in place for the whole Coromandel, and that includes beach bonfires and fireworks. If you have any fireworks left, please take them home with you – the risk simply isn’t worth it.”

Also remember that water restrictions are in place across the Coromandel. To view the full restrictions click here.

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