Customers took advantage of their first chance to stock up for Guy Fawkes yesterday, on the first of the four days retailers can legally sell fireworks.
Among those perusing the range of fireworks at South Dunedin retailer Switched on Gardner was Outram teenager Alexander Thomson, whose mother bought more than $200 worth for a Guy Fawkes family party at their Outram home.
Inspired by a trip to the United States where they had seen large fireworks displays during July 4 celebrations, his family enjoyed having a good display at Guy Fawkes, he said.
Store manager Ben Johnson said sales were steady all day.
Sales were also steady at Centre City New World in Dunedin.
Rural Fire and Fire Service officials again urged safety while using fireworks.
Dunedin City Council principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said staff had issued permits for 15 private bonfires, about the same as last year.
There had only been one application for a public display, to be held at the Island Park Speedway on Saturday.
People should apply the usual precautions and behave responsibly when using fireworks and keep an eye on the weather, especially if it was windy.
Fire safety officer Barry Gibson said regulations around the use and purchase of fireworks appeared to be working - there had only been about a third the usual number of fireworks-related fires in the past two years since the sale of fireworks was restricted in 2007 to the four days before November 5.
Banning the types of fireworks more likely to shoot off and cause fires, including skyrockets and tom-thumbs, had also had a positive effect.
There were about 15 fireworks-related fires last year and 15 in 2007, compared with 45 in 2006.
"That shows the regulations are working and, as long as people show common sense while using fireworks, that will continue," Mr Gibson said.
