November 2, 2008

Tougher rules surrounding the sale of fireworks including age restrictions, should cause fewer problems this year says Fire Service
Firefighters expect new rules surrounding the sale of fireworks to make a big difference to their workload this year.
The sales period for fireworks has been shortened to just four days. Fireworks went on sale yesterday and will continue through to Guy Fawkes night on Wednesday. The minimum age for buying them is now 18.
A favourite, sparklers, have been banned. Well-known Auckland fireworks retailer Barry Wah Lee says people do not seem to be too upset about it and have already had to deal with a variety of other items being outlawed such as rockets and buzzy-bees.
Fire Service acting national commander Bill Butzbach says traditionally a lot of the problems are caused by younger teenagers fooling around with fireworks and they are also the age group which suffers the most injuries.
Mr Butzbach is encouraging people to attend an organised display, but he has a few tips for those who plan to let off their own fireworks. He says always read the instructions with a torch and not a naked flame and always have a bucket of water or a hose handy in case things go wrong. Fireworks should be let off in an open area and children should always be supervised.