Safety first encouraged tonight

BLAIR ENSOR/Marlborough Express

ON ALERT: Blenheim Volunteer Fire Brigade senior station officer Ross Bailey, left, and Marlborough fire safety officer Rob Dalton hope tonight's Guy Fawkes celebrations will go off without a hitch.

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As New Zealand prepares to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang this evening, Marlborough fire safety officer Rob Dalton is urging the public to take care.

"We realise it's there for people's fun and enjoyment, but they need to be responsible," said Mr Dalton.

Fireworks should be lit in a wide, open area away from anything that could catch fire and a bucket of water should be kept handy at all times, he said. Children should be kept well clear of fireworks and animals should be kept inside so they did not become distressed. "So far we've had no problems, and we'd like it to remain that way," Mr Dalton said.

Fireworks went on sale on Monday and would only be sold until trading closed today.

The limited four-day sales period was introduced in 2007 and the age limit to buy fireworks was raised from 14 to 18.

Mr Dalton said the new restrictions "appeared" to have reduced the number of incidents because there was less time for people to buy and play with fireworks.

The Warehouse Blenheim assistant store manager Warren Peter said the range of fireworks was similar to last year and sales so far were "ticking along quite nicely".

A MetService spokesman said Marlborough could expect mild conditions, high cloud and north-west breezes tonight.