Fenz community education manager Adrian Nacey said in past years they have seen people store fireworks bought for Guy Fawkes in November to light during the summer months.
"Last year we were called to several fires over the new year period started from fireworks, and this year our appeal to the public is do not set off any fireworks."
Last New Year’s Eve, 16 firefighters were called out to the Dalefield area following a large rural fire thought to be sparked by fireworks.
That was just one of many fires attended by Fenz last New Year’s Eve, as firefighters at one stage managed 15 fire-related incidents across the country.
Large vegetation fires at Pegasus Beach in Canterbury and Te Mata Peak in Hastings last year were caused by fireworks and resulted in communities being evacuated and thousands of native trees destroyed.
Earlier this month crews fought fires near Lake Dunstan in Central Otago that were also caused by fireworks.
"New Year’s Eve and the summer months is not the time to be setting off fireworks — particularly with the approaching El Nino weather conditions that are forecast to bring hotter, drier and windier conditions in many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.
"If you want to bring in the New Year with a bang, we recommend attending public fireworks displays where possible."
With many parts of Central Otago under a fire ban, Fenz asked people to keep aware and take heed of the rules set.
"It’s important to check for current bans, the fire season, and the fire danger.
"It’s easy to do your part to keep your community safe over the holidays."
