Run up to Guy Fawkes night results in few fire callouts

A hedge fire in Whakatane was the only blot on what was otherwise a successful Guy Fawkes weekend in the area, according to local fire services.

The Rotorua, Whakatane, Taupo and Kawerau fire services reported a small number of fireworks-related callouts during the weekend, mainly minor incidents.

Whakatane Fire Service fire risk management officer Jon Rewi said the only serious fireworks callout he had heard of was a hedge fire on Saturday night.

He said the two fire trucks from Whakatane contained the fire without damage to any buildings.

However, Mr Rewi said last night was the real test with good weather likely to attract people to use the last of their fireworks.

"Hopefully it will be a quiet one tonight," he said yesterday afternoon.

Rotorua Fire Service senior station officer Colin Rolfe said they were pleased with the sensible use of fireworks this year.

"The amazing part about it was we did have 10 calls on Friday night but none of them were fireworks-related."

He said some of the calls during the weekend included callouts to bonfires but they were all under control.

Kawerau Fire Service station officer Bill Rackham said since the Government had prohibited the sale of some fireworks things had calmed down.