Neuseeland / New Zealand
2010
Gore. Celebratory New Year's
fireworks let off were the likely cause of a fire that destroyed a house. A fire
investigator said there was a strong possibility fireworks had landed on the
unoccupied Thomas St house about 12.10a.m., which erupted in flames soon after,
leading to numerous 111 calls. The house was gutted within minutes. 1.1.2010
Source: "Gore blaze linked to fireworks", 2.1.2010, http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/3202495/Gore-blaze-linked-to-fireworks
Piha. A large scrub fire was
sparked by New Year fireworks just after midnight at Piha in west Auckland. A
helicopter with monsoon buckets had to be brought in because the 10 fire
appliances were not able to reach the hillside fire. 1.1.2010
Source: "New
Year fireworks spark scrub fires", 1.1.2010, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/new-year-fireworks-spark-scrub-fires-3321757
Aongatete
(27 km northwest of Tauranga). A Katikati teenager may lose a thumb and finger
after a fireworks explosion. The 16-year-old was making a fireworks bomb with a
friend when the accident occurred at his family's orchard on Strathmore Drive.
They were constructing a small explosive, by grouping fireworks together in a
metal tube when a spark "unintentionally" caused an explosion.
4.9.2010
Source:
"Teenager
injured in fireworks bomb blast", 6.9.2010, http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/local/news/teenager-injured-in-fireworks-bomb-blast/3921412/
"Teen
may lose fingers after fireworks explosion", 7.9.2010, http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/124972/teen-may-lose-fingers-after-fireworks-explosion
A
fireworks explosion gave a woman such a bad fright she fell off her bicycle on
Maungatapu Road. She said someone threw fireworks at her and she got such a
fright when they went off, she crashed onto the road. 5.11.2010
Source:
"Big bang blamed for crash", 9.11.2010, http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/9384-big-bang-blamed-crash.html
Auckland.
Firefighters spent 2-1/2 hours at a property in Lilford Pl in Half Moon Bay,
southeast Auckland trying to deal with a vegetation fire started by fireworks.
5.11.2010
Source:
"Wet weather quells Guy Fawkes trouble", 6.11.2010, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/hundreds-calls-fire-service-overnight-3880979
Rotorua.
Fireworks landed on the roof of a single-storey house, starting a fire in the
ceiling cavity. Fire crews brought the blaze under control fairly quickly but
the property was badly affected by smoke. 5.11.2010
Source:
"House damaged, scrub set alight by fireworks", 6.11.2010, http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/61220/house-damaged,-scrub-set-alight-by-fireworks
Police
were called to a party in Logan St. at 12.15am due to reports of "fighting,
disorder and drunkenness" involving about 100 teenagers. Fights broke out
as police closed the party down and partygoers began throwing cans and fireworks
at police. An officer was knocked to the ground from behind while attempting to
arrest one of those throwing fireworks. 6.11.2010
Source:
"Police
injured after fireworks attack at party", 6.11.2010, http://www.3news.co.nz/Police-injured-after-fireworks-attack-at-party/tabid/423/articleID/184998/Default.aspx
"Police
dodge firework missiles at Rotorua party", 6.11.2010, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10685780
"Wet
weather quells Guy Fawkes trouble", 6.11.2010, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/hundreds-calls-fire-service-overnight-3880979
Tauranga/North
Island of New Zealand. A frightened American bull terrier died when it tried to
escape over a fence and got its collar stuck, choking to death. The dog's owner
was devastated by the incident, as she thought keeping the dog in the garden
while she set off fireworks was safe.
Source:
"Call for fireworks ban following animal deaths", 8.11.2010, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/call-fireworks-ban-following-animal-deaths-3883452
Tauranga/North
Island of New Zealand. A 12-year-old thoroughbred horse
tripped and broke both its front legs after bolting from a group who had
sneaked into his paddock at the Greenhithe Pony Club to set off fireworks. The
horse had to be put down.
Source:
Dunedin.
Two youths in a car allegedly threw a burning firework into the parked car of a
family, which landed between the two-year-old and 4-year-old passengers.
Although
the firework was smoking when it landed in the car neither of the children nor
their mother were injured, due to her quick thinking.
Source:
"Family escape injury after a firework was thrown into their car", 5.11.2010,
http://www.ch9.co.nz/node/16708
Wellington. Police believe fireworks may have caused
the blaze that gutted the gymnasium at Wellington's Rongotai College early on
Christmas morning. The blaze tore through the building, causing the steel-framed
roof to collapse and destroying around $500,000 worth of equipment. 25.12.2010
Source:
"Fireworks suspected of causing gym blaze", 27.12.2010, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10696729
"College gym gutted in Christmas night inferno", 27.12.2010, http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4495776/College-gym-gutted-in-Christmas-night-inferno
2009
Mauao. Police are hunting three men
who set off fireworks in a sheep's mouth, slit its stomach, kicked it and
dragged it down a track on the mountain at Mt Maunganui. The remains of
fireworks were still in the sheep's mouth and its jaw had been blown away. The "cowardly, despicable act" has been described as the worst case of
animal cruelty in the region. 19.4.2009
Source:
"Animal cruelty: Sheep's jaw blown off with fireworks", 20.4.2009, http://livenews.com.au/world/animal-cruelty-sheeps-jaw-blown-off-with-fireworks/2009/4/20/203547
"Trio's crackers blow apart sheep's
mouth", 21.4.2009, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm%3Fc_id%3D1%26objectid%3D10567660&ct=ga&cd=IfWIp94xJPE&usg=AFQjCNGq5V6_1QqbveKB1JZXgJ8Z5D7FfA
New Brighton. Fireworks caused
a sizeable scrub blaze on Marine Parade. 5.11.2009
Source: "Quietest
Guy Fawkes night in years", 6.11.2009, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/quietest-guy-fawkes-night-in-years-3115337
Timaru. A home was gutted
after being struck by an out of control firework. 5.11.2009
Source: "Quietest
Guy Fawkes night in years", 6.11.2009, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/quietest-guy-fawkes-night-in-years-3115337
Newstead. Jackie Chamberlain
is starting a petition for a ban on the private sale and display of fireworks
– to be presented to Parliament next year -
after her 17-year-old stallion Prestige suffered a massive gash to his
side after being spooked on November 7, 2009.
Source: "Ban
fireworks – upset horse owner", 11.11.2009, http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/3051398/Ban-fireworks-upset-horse-owner
Whakatane. Firefighters were
forced to run for cover after a public fireworks display went haywire. A stray
spark set off a massive explosion of fireworks that set fire to scrub land,
catching out organisers and cutting the display short. Two people were taken to
hospital with minor cuts and burns. 7.11.2009
Source:
"Fireworks display explodes in flames", 8.11.2009, http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/fireworks-display-explodes-in-flames-3118955
"Guy
Fawkes display goes horribly wrong in Whakatane", 8.11.2009, http://www.3news.co.nz/Guy-Fawkes-display-goes-horribly-wrong-in-Whakatane/tabid/423/articleID/128741/cat/306/Default.aspx
"Two hurt
in fiery display", 8.11.2009, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10608007
Mt Roskill. A teen and his
friends were walking across the field of Mt Roskill Grammar School. Another
group of students were also crossing the field while playing with fireworks.
Someone chucked it and the teen's reflex was to catch the firework that was
thrown. But when it went off he severely injured his left hand. 11.11.2009
Source: "Fireworks
folly", 20.1.2010, http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/3242066/Fireworks-folly
Matamata. The horse of Leanne
West (named Silent Angel) was seriously injured after being frightened by
fireworks. Mrs West said her Haig Rd neighbours were letting off fireworks late
in the afternoon on November 12, 2009, when she saw Silent Angel get a fright
and flip on to a fence post – becoming impaled – before sprinting off to the
other end of the paddock, dripping with blood.
Source: "Series
of mishaps test for Matamata 'angels'", 14.11.2009, http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/3062327/Series-of-mishaps-test-for-Matamata-angels/
A
Woodridge couple's celebratory New Year's Eve fire cracker landed on the roof of
their neighbours' new home and started a fire. The cracker, which landed of the
roof of the house in north Hamilton about 11pm, rolled into the gutter before
setting fire to building paper and spreading through the roof cavity, causing
extensive damage to the brick house. Almost all of the roof cladding and roof
cavity were destroyed and some of the plaster ceiling had been pulled down so
firefighters could get to the flames. 31.12.2009
Source:
"Firework torches neighbours' house", 9.1.2010, http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/3216979/Firework-torches-neighbours-house
2008
Timaru. A stand of trees was
set alight by two boys (10, 8) playing with fireworks. The fire burnt an area of
about 20m by 50m. The children will be referred to youth aid before being
referred to the Timaru fire service to do a fire awareness and intervention
programme. 11.3.2008
Source: "Fireworks start tree fire", 13.3.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/timaruherald/4436843a6571.html
Kaikohe.
Fireworks display at the rugby grounds: The launching pad for the electronically
fired gallery of fireworks erupted into a spectacular display of its own,
randomly scattering fireballs skyward and along the ground. Crowds of children
and adults watching along a protective fence line fell back screaming but there
were no injuries reported. A couple of small grass fire were quickly put out. -
A spokesman said it had been caused by an electrical fault setting off a rogue
firework in the final array. 18.10.2008
Source:
"Rogue fireworks threaten crowd", 21.10.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4734814a6015.html
Fireworks
set off after midnight on October 27, 2008, next to the Te Atatu Pony Club,
scared a 14-year-old horse so much it ran into a fence, severely hurting itself
and had to be put down on October 28, 2008, after it has been taken to hospital.
"She had fractured several of her bones and shoulder; and elbow was
shattered and she'd rushed bones in her face and she had internal bleeding in
her brain," said her owner. 27.10.2008
Source:
"Horse put down after cracker scare", 29.10.2008, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10539829
"Fireworks
spook horse to its death", 29.10.2008, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/2242750
Maunu.
Fireworks was used to damage mail in a postbox in Tui Cres during the weekend.
1./2.11.2008
Source:
"Street shaken as fireworks vandals strike", 6.11.2008, http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3789583&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
New
Zealand's biggest supermarket retailer will not sell fireworks this year, in a
bid to be socially responsible. Progressive Enterprises owns Countdown,
Woolworths and Foodtown and says the risk of fireworks outweigh the benefits.
Progressive Enterprises says the company can no longer support something which
could result in the injury of a customer, and despite fireworks being a
million-dollar business, it is refusing to sell them.
Source:
"Biggest supermarket retailer won't sell fireworks", 3.11.2008, http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2008/11/03/12437f0591e3
Kensington.
Vandals set off a suspected sparkler bomb that blew up four letterboxes.
4.11.2008
Source:
"Street shaken as fireworks vandals strike", 6.11.2008, http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3789583&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
St
Johns, Auckland. Fireworks set a garage alight but the fire was put out with a
garden hose. 5.11.2008
Source:
"House
damaged in fireworks blaze", 6.11.2008, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10541415
"Few
incidents on Guy Fawkes night", 6.11.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4751944a11.html
Wellington.
Guy Fawkes fireworks are suspected to have caused a scrub fire that threatened
houses in Ahuiri Street in the suburb of Miramar at about 9.30. 5.11.2008
Source:
"Fireworks blamed for Wellington scrub fire", 5.11.2008, http://www.3news.co.nz/News/NationalNews/Fireworks-blamed-for-Wellington-scrub-fire/tabid/423/articleID/78677/cat/64/Default.aspx
"House
damaged in fireworks blaze", 6.11.2008, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10541415
A
house in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill has extensive damage after a fire at
about 12.40 a.m. caused by fireworks. 6.11.2008
Source:
"House damaged in fireworks blaze", 6.11.2008, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10541415
"Few
incidents on Guy Fawkes night", 6.11.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4751944a11.html
A
Gate Pa woman had a lucky escape after a stray firework set alight the roof of a
house in Cook St which had six smoke alarms installed in the house but no
batteries in them. The woman, who was in a bedroom at the opposite end of the
house from where the fire had started, had a medical condition and required help
to get out. Six other occupants of the house managed to escape, too.
The
fire had started after the stray firework, which had landed in a tree then
rolled down into the guttering, setting alight pine needles and then building
paper under the roofing iron. 7.11.2008
Source:
"Bay woman saved as firework sets home alight", 8.11.2008, http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3789793&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Kelvin
Heights. Three children were setting off fireworks by the beach when a firework
plunged into nearby bush, quickly starting a bush fire. 12.11.2008
Source:
"Luck with wind stops fire spreading", 14.11.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/southlandtimes/4760298a6570.html
Hamilton.
A boy's homemade "firework explosive" led to Hamilton's Maeroa
Intermediate School's evacuation and explosives experts had to be called in.
21.11.2008
Source:
"Homemade explosive sparks alert. A dangerous homemade firework led to
evacuation of a school and explosives experts had to be called in",
22.11.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4768803a6579.html
New
Plymouth. A house fire at Darwin Cres appeared to be started by teens setting
off fireworks said a Police Constable. Three fire engines, four police cars and
an ambulance attended the scene, and the road was blocked to traffic. The house
would need a new roof. - Three teenagers, two aged 17 and one aged 16, were
arrested and charged with arson. 22.11.2008
Source:
"Arson charge for teenagers after fireworks start house fire",
24.11.2008, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dailynews/4770417a6002.html
2007
Coromandel
residents were evacuated after two hectares of scrub on the clifftops above
Cathedral Cove near Hahei were destroyed by a fire started with fireworks.
3.1.2007
Source: "Fireworks curbs 'wussy'", 16.1.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/3929438a6016.html
Otatara.
A fireworks display rocked a Kindergarten, with several fireworks shooting in the
wrong direction towards a crowd of about 80 children and parents. One firework
exploded into the crowd, hitting the kindy's head teacher and event organiser;
she was uninjured. 20.7.2007
Source: "Off-course fireworks mar kindy's display", 21.7.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4134985a6568.html
Near
Opiki. A horse on a farm was badly injured after being scared by fireworks and
at one stage it seemed she may have to be destroyed. Shilo suffered a severed
tendon and a deep cut on her near hind leg which has gone through to the bone.
The injuries are thought to have been caused when Shilo was panicked by a
neighbour's fireworks and got tangled in a fence she tried to jump. She
wasn't found until the next morning. 2.11.2007
Source: "Pony hurt in fireworks panic", 8.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/eveningstandard/4266231a20379.html
Helensville.
Ten-year-old part thoroughbred mare Savannah disappeared from her paddock just
before Guy Fawkes weekend. Spent rockets were found in her paddock, apparently
having been fired across the Kaipara river. The owner fear the horse may have
been struck by one of the rockets, causing her to panic and run into the tidal
river.
Source: "Rockets blamed as champion horse vanishes", 11.11.2007, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10475245
Ashburton. A fire in a boat parked in a driveway of a home on Archibald Street spread to the house, causing minor damage. Firefighters believe stray fireworks may have started the fire. 3.11.2007
Source:
"Man set alight by rogue firework", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4261607a6009.html
Stray fireworks may have started fire, 6.11.2007, http://www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz/index.asp?articleid=10484
Auckland.
A firework from a
public display in Alexandra Park misfired and flew into the crowd. Three girls
(10, 11, 12) suffered burn injuries. 3.11.2007
Source:
"Children
burned in firework mishap", 4.11.2007, http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/Story/tabid/209/articleID/38409/Default.aspx
"Eye injury caused by firework", 4.11.2007, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=126859
"Fireworks accident sends children to hospital", 4.11.2007, http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/Fireworksaccidentsendschildrentohospital/tabid/209/articleID/38448/Default.aspx
Cheltenham
Beach. About 150
youths were drinking and letting off fireworks. When police arrived they had to
back off after bottles and fireworks were thrown at two patrol cars by 'hostile
members' of the crowd. 3.11.2007
Source: "Crowd attacks North Shore police with fireworks", 8.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4265505a11.html
Christchurch.
Fireworks are believed to have caused a blaze at a Packe Street, St Albans, flat
that police are treating as arson. 3.11.2007
Source: "Man set alight by rogue firework", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4261607a6009.html
Dannemora.
Residents of an Aclare Place property were lucky to escape uninjured as a stray
firework set their home alight. 3.11.2007
Source: "Annual fireworks disorder dampened by rain and rules", 8.11.2007, http://www.times.co.nz/cms/news/2007/11/art100018410.php
Glen
Eden. A man suffered
significant eye injuries, after a firework exploded into his eye. 3.11.2007
Source: "Eye injury caused by firework", 4.11.2007, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=126859
Invercargill.
Firefighters were called to the University of Otago College of Education's
Southland campus after a smoldering sparkler bomb activated the building's smoke
detection system. The sparkler bomb was posted through an after-hours return
slot. Damage was restricted to minor smoke damage and burnt books. 3.11.2007
Source:
"Man
set alight by rogue firework", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4261607a6009.html
"Man to face fireworks charge", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4261642a6011.html
Kaiapoi.
A pyrotchnics operator was taken to hospital after a device apparently went off
in his face at a public display at Woodford Glen Speedway.
3.11.2007
Source: "Fireworks celebrations go wrong", 4.11.2007, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=126872
A
man will appear in the Queenstown District Court on November 5 on a fireworks
charge after throwing fireworks from a car in Camp St on November 3, 2007.
Source: "Man to face fireworks charge", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4261642a6011.html
Tamatea.
A garage/sleepout was damaged in a fireworks attack. A fire services spokesman
said the firework which caused the blaze should have been embedded in the ground
as it shot fireballs into the air. Instead, it had been lit and thrown onto the
roof. 3.11.2007
Source: "Fireworks fun – and trouble", 5.11.2007, http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3754259&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
A
woman's letterbox was being blown up with a concoction of fireworks. 4.11.2007
Source: "Letterbox explosion opens eyes", 8.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4264967a6016.html
Invercargill.
Sparkler bombs were used to set fire to a notice board and a toilet cubicle at
Jamest Hargest College. 4.11.2007
Source: "Man to face fireworks charge", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes/4261642a6011.html
South
Beach. A fire on the beach at the end of Queen Street was believed to have been
started by children playing with fireworks. 4.11.2007
Source: "Firefighters urge care with fireworks", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/timaruherald/4261659a6010.html
Tahunanui.
Firefighters were called to a fire in bushes in Moncrieff Ave, started by a
stray firework. 4.11.2007
Source: "Fireworks implicated in blazes", 5.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4262577a6510.html
Wellington.
$100,000 in fireworks exploded for the capital's annual Guy Fawkes extravaganza.
6000 fireworks weighing about three tonnes were used. 5.11.2007
Source: "Bang goes $100,000 + video, 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4262807a10.html
Browns
Bay, Auckland's North Shore. A bomb was thrown through a window at
the police station. Police say the device was made from brass plumbing parts and
probably packed with fireworks. 5.11.2007
Source: "Pipebomber at risk of harm", 7.11.2007, http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200711071724/pipebomber_at_risk_of_harm_-_police
Hamilton. A man was using a candle to light four sparklers at once when "they went off like petrol bombs in an instant the flames sped up the sparklers and engulfed his right hand". 5.11.2007
Source: "Guy Fawkes' incidents see ban calls rise", 7.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4265063a6004.html
Kawhia.
A horse jumped out of his paddock after being spooked by fireworks. Diesel was
found a day later. 5.11.2007
Source: "Guy Fawkes' incidents see ban calls rise", 7.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4265063a6004.html
Manukau. A dog died while trying to escape from fireworks. He had been tied up
in a backyard and became so terrified it tried to jump a fence, hanging itself
in the process. 5.11.2007
Source: "Dog dies escaping fireworks", 8.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4264968a6497.html
Nelson.
Two groups of residents were forced to use garden hoses after fireworks they had
let off went astray. 5.11.2007
Source: "Scrub fire puts forest at rist", 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4263836a6510.html
Nelson.
Firefighters were called to Chidley Place after a firework set a tree on fire.
5.11.2007
Source: "Scrub fire puts forest at rist", 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4263836a6510.html
Palmerston
North. A fireworks blaze caused severe damage to a house. 5.11.2007
Source: "Fireworks take toll on property", 6.11.2007, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/413551/1431296
Papamoa.
Mount Maunganui firefighters had one callout - believed to be fireworks related
- to a tree on fire in Evans Rd. 5.11.2007
Source: "Fireworks burn Bay tot", 6.11.2007, http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3754366&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Ruakaka.
A big blaze off Hewlett Rd became a 200m by 100m inferno on a hillside of gorse.
It appeared a rogue firework had shot off sideways, igniting the gorse.
5.11.2007
Source: "Fireworks spark terrifying inferno", 5.11.2007, http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3754370&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Spooner
Range. Firefighters spent two hours battling a blaze believed to have been
started by fireworks and just managed to stop it from spreading into a pine
forest. 5.11.2007
Source: "Scrub fire puts forest at risk", 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4263836a6510.html
Turangi.
Fire destroyed a home after a 13-year-old boy threw a sparkler into the house.
5.11.2007
Source:
"House destroyed after boy throws sparkler", 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4262990a11.html
"Sparkler antics set Turangi house ablaze", 9.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/bayofplenty/4267443a6014.html
Turangi.
A group of youths attacked two other young people with fireworks as they walked
through the town centre. As a result of this attack, the victims received minor
burns and scorching to their clothing. 5.11.2007
Source: "Sparkler destroys DOC house at Turangi", 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4263915a7693.html
Tauranga.
A couple (23, 25) were letting off fireworks outside their Dingadee St home,
Welcome Bay,
when an out-of-control firework landed in the back of the pram of her baby girl
and exploded, igniting her napkin, blanket and T-shirt. The one-year-old received a combination of full, partial and
superficial thickness burns to her lower back and buttocks. The
baby had a 90-minute operation for burns to 7 per cent of her body.
5.11.2007
Source:
"Fireworks
burn Bay tot", 6.11.2007, http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3754366&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
"Baby burnt by firework in pram", 6.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4263864a10.html
"Baby's injuries spur push for fireworks ban", 7.11.2007, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=294&objectid=10474474
Whakatane.
A boy (15) threatened to throw fireworks through a neighbour's window if they
didn't give him cash. The teenager will be appearing in the Youth Court this
month.
Source: "Fireworks used as weapon in Eastern Bay", 9.11.2007, http://www.1xx.co.nz/stories/news.123532.html
Supermarket operator Progressive Enterprises has announced its decision to stop the sale of fireworks in its Foodtown, Countdown and Woolworths stores. The Progressive managing director said despite the latest restrictions on age and the reduced selling period, children and animals continued to be injured and distressed. "We believe the safety risks associated with the private use of fireworks outweigh the benefits." Progressive supermarkets would not sell fireworks next year, however the company would look at sponsoring Guy Fawkes night events.
Source: "Supermarket chain to stop fireworks sales", 7.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4265184a11.html and "Progressive enterprises to stop selling fireworks", 7.11.2007, http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/P00711/S00121.htm
Whangarei suburb of Tikipunga. A teenager (17) lost
four fingers and a thumb when fireworks went off in his hand. He also suffered
lacerations to his face. He had tied a bunch of fireworks together in a clump
and set them off while holding them. 14.11.2007
Source:
"Fireworks blow off teen's fingers",
15.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4274068a10.html
"Firework costs teen fingers", 15.11.2007, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10476187
Fairfield. Levi, a Staffordshire cross, was so
terrified by fireworks he chewed his way through the aluminium garage door,
leaving a "massive pool of blood" behind him. The dog injured his paws
and mouth in his desperate scramble to escape the fireworks near his home.
16.11.2007
Source:
"Frightened dog chews door to
escape fireworks", 20.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4280702a6579.html
"Fireworks-mad dog chews through door", 21.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/4281708a10.html
2006
Near
Mangawhai (about 120 km north of Auckland). An Auckland man whose fireworks
sparked a bush fire in Northland on Saturday night may face a $20,000 bill for
the blaze. The fire on council land burnt about 4-5ha. 14.1.2006
Source: "Fireworks that sparked bush fire could prove very costly", 16.1.2006, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3541114a11,00.html
Feilding.
Feilding police are investigating an arson attempt on a suburban home after
"over the counter" firecrackers were tossed threw the lounge window at
about 11.30pm. Fireworks were also found on the lawn and in the letterbox.
27.10.2006
Source: "Firecrackers tossed into Feilding home", 29.10.2006, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3843561a10,00.html
Feilding.
Around 8.30pm a firecracker burned the side of a panelbeater's shop and about
the same time one was let off in a nearby letterbox. 27.10.2006
Source: "Firework link to four arson attacks", 31.10.2006, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3844864a11,00.html
Invercargill.
Fireworks were stuffed into an internal mailbox attached to the garage of an
elderly woman's home in Fox Street. 27.10.2006
Source: "Fireworks used to try to burn houses", 29.10.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=106470
New Zealand. Poll: Do you think there should be a ban on public firework sales?
Yes: 64%
No: 36%
(Result from 31.10.2006)
Source: "Net blamed for firework combos", 31.10.2006, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411425/875571
Christchurch. Police have charged five youths with arson after two fireworks-related
fires: A toilet at Crosby Park in suburban Avonhead was set alight last night,
November 2, and a fire was set to a suburban Burnside building early morning, October 28. Fireworks had been used in both arsons with other
combustible materials.
Source:
"Five arrested for fireworks-related arsons", 3.11.2006, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10409021
"Chch youths face fireworks arson", 3.11.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=106797
Howick.
A firecracker was shoved into a new car's grill, then set alight by vandals,
resulting in "several thousand dollars" worth of damage. 28.10.2006
Source: "Cracker fire", 6.11.2006, http://www.times.co.nz/cms/news/2006/11/art100013908.php
Wanganui. A woman was in the Pak
'n' Save underground carpark 5pm with her
four-week-old baby in a baby seat in the trolley, when a car came round the
corner and the people in it threw fireworks at the baby. One of the crackers, a
shooter type, landed very close to the baby. The noise was deafening, and she
woke up and started screaming. Then the car quickly drove off, but the occupants
still threw another three crackers at a woman who had just arrived at the
park.28.10.2006
Source: "Fireworks thrown at terrified baby", 31.10.2006, http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3707622&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Fire
Service figures are already painting a bleak picture of the annual Guy Fawkes
sale period, with figures showing there were 317 fires over the first
three days of the 10-day period, fireworks were legally for sale, or about 105
per day.
On
the
second day of the sale period alone, Saturday October 28, there were 143 fires.
Source:
"More than 300 fires over first firework weekend", 30.10.2006, http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0610/S00355.htm
Hamilton. A high school student needed nine stitches in his back, after being hit
with what's believed to have been a skyrocket or some other form of firework, up a hill at Hamilton Lake. 29.10.2006
Source:
"Five arrested for fireworks-related arsons", 3.11.2006, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10409021
"Charges
likely for offenders in Hamilton fireworks incident", 3.11.2006, http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200611031211/charges_likely_for_offenders_in_hamilton_fireworks_incident
"Chch
youths face fireworks arson", 3.11.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=106797
Wanaka. A central Otago supermarket was evacuated, when a teenage worker at New World lit a firework and dropped it into a box of other fireworks in a staff locker room, setting them all off. 30.10.2006
Source: "Fireworks cause evacuation of supermarket", 31.10.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=106579
Whakatane. The James Street Primary School has been hit by a fireworks bomb; the improvised explosive had been thrown through a window.
Source: "Fireworks hurled through school window", 31.10.2006, http://www.1xx.co.nz/stories/news/112613.html
Palmerston
North. Fireworks went off at a second-storey house at Dampier Avenue, Awapuni, setting off a
fire that gutted a bedroom upstairs where the fire started, and the rest of the
second storey has smoke damage.
Five
people, three of them young children, were evacuated from the house where a home
child day-care
centre was operating on the ground floor.
Fireworks
on a table ignited shortly before 2.30pm and a nearby lounge suite caught alight.
A teenager (14) in the building, which was upstairs used as a home, suffered minor burns
to his hands trying to extinguish the blaze.
Source:
"Fireworks spark childcare blaze", 2.11.2006, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/manawatustandard/0,2106,3848243a6003,00.html
"Children
escape day-care fire", 2.11.2006, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3847211a11,00.html
"Fireworks blamed for Palmerston North blaze", 1.11.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=106702
"Fireworks related blaze not arson", 2.11.2006, http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=67282
Rotorua.
About 11.30pm a letterbox had blown up by a bomb made of
sparklers bound together. Parts of it hit the wooden garage door leaving two
gaping holes. The firework blew the letterbox "to smithereens" and left
debris all over the road and the neighbor's property. 2.11.2006
Source: "Garage hit by fireworks bomb", 4.11.2006, http://www.dailypost.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708354&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Henley
Lake. A boy (4) was pulled to safety from his flaming pushchair in a shower of
coloured sparks after a thrown firework set it alight at a public Guy Fawkes
display. 3.11.2006
Source: "Fireworks explode in pushchair", 6.11.2006, http://times-age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708452&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Henley
Lake. A valuable 12 week old colt foal had to be put down on after fleeing its
mother's side in terror at the fireworks let off at the Henley Lake public
display and breaking its leg after bolting into the darkness. 3.11.2006
Source: "Fireworks panic causes death of racing colt", 7.11.2006, http://times-age.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708630&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Central North Island. Two helicopters and five fire engines were used to battle a sizeable scrub fire in the evening. The blaze spread across 400m and took more than three hours to extinguish. The major fire was fireworks-related and the matter had been handed to police. 4.11.2006
Source:
"Fireworks
thought responsible, 5.11.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=106873
"Fireworks destroys native bushland", 6.11.2006, http://www.dailypost.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708490&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Christchurch.
A family fired off about five fireworks which were fine and the sixth one shot
everyway and went straight into her daughter's pram, which was about 40 metres
away. The baby has third degree burns to her face, neck and chest. 4.11.2006
Source: "Chch toddler set on fire by firework", 10.11.2006, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=107225
Petone
Beach. Lower Hutt police responding to a double stabbing were pelted with
fireworks, bottles and cans by a large, disorderly crowd.
Source:
"Officers
pelted attending double stabbing", 6.11.2006, http://www.crime.co.nz/displaynews.asp?id=67408
"Double stabbing", 6.11.2006, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411424/880449
Taupo.
The Fire Service was called to minor fireworks-related scrub fires at Tongariro
St about 12pm and at Tamatea Rd. 4.11.2006
Source: "Fireworks destroys native bushland", 6.11.2006, http://www.dailypost.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708490&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Gisborne.
Fireworks caused up to sic grass and scrub fires at the weekend. 4./5.11.2006
Source: "Fireworks start several fires…", 7.11.2006, http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article.asp?aid=7144&iid=563&sud=27
A
firework was placed in a glass jar, lit and left to explode, setting a homemade
letterbox on Brookfield Terrace ablaze. 5.11.2006
Source: "Letterbox explosion worries resident", 6.11.2006, http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708458&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Glasgow
St. Fire caused by fireworks being thrown through a partially open window of a
house by 1am. The fireworks landed on the bed, setting it alight. The flames
then spread to other fixtures and fittings and items of furniture. Four people,
including a little child, were hospitalised and treated for smoke inhalation.
5.11.2006
Source: "Fireworks through window set house ablaze", 6.11.2006, http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708401&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Rotorua. While a couple inside was asleep in their Pleasant Heights home, fire started on a single-seat couch on the outside porch before spreading through the sliding doors and into the roof. Rotorua fire service senior station officer said the fire most probably started from fireworks from nearby. The couple has lost almost everything. 6.11.2006
Source:
"Fireworks likely cause of house fire" (à
see related video for more…), 7.11.2006, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411365/882798
"Sleeping couple saved from fireworks inferno", 8.11.2006, http://www.dailypost.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3708799&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
A
pohutukawa tree was set alight by fireworks on New Year's Eve and firefighters
have been unable to put out the blaze because of its location on a cliff face at
the small coastal settlement of Pataua South near Whangarei. The fire was
burning inside the dead part of the tree and after three days the plan was for a
firefighter to abseil down the cliff with a chainsaw and cut off the burning
part of the tree or cut it open to get water inside. 31.12.2006
Source:
"Abseiling firefighter with chainsaw to fight tree fire", 3.1.2007,
http://www.stuff.co.nz/3917402a10.html
"Pohutukawa
to survive after three days on fire", 4.1.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3917511a11.html
2005
Invercargill.
More than 25 letterboxes around Invercargill have been blown up by fireworks
over the past few days. 31.10.2005
Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsfeature.asp?storyID=8308
Raglan.
Police say fireworks put through a video store 'returns slot' could have started
a major fire over the weekend. Fortunately the owner was there after closing and
discovered it. 29./30.10.2005
Source: "Fireworks could have caused major blaze", 31.10.2005, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=83108
New
Zealand. Less than a week after fireworks went on sale, the Fire Service is
reporting a huge increase in vegetation fires. A major blaze on Auckland's North
Shore at the weekend is one of 34 fires caused by fireworks in the past week.
The number of fireworks-related fires was tripling in the past four years.
2005,
call-outs for fires in vegetation went from an average of less than 10 a day for
the first four weeks of October to more than 35 on October 27 when fireworks
sales started and nearly 60 on Saturday night.
Minor
call-outs increased from an average of about 40 a day until October 26, to 75 on
October 27 and over 100 on October 29.
"Fireworks
spark surge in fire calls", 1.11.2005
New
Zealand. Poll: Should the sale of fireworks be banned?
Yes:
56%
No:
44%
(Result
from 1.11.2005)
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411366/623780
Feilding.
Souped-up fireworks obliterated a letterbox on Kawakawa Road, rocking
a house 150 metres away. Police believe the explosive device was made from
standard fireworks, modified to make them powerful.
People
found in possession of fireworks that have been modified can be prosecuted and
face penalties of up
to four years in jail or a $5000 fine. 1.11.2005
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/manawatustandard/0,2106,3466149a6502,00.html
Levin.
A College student (15) was walking home on Weraroa Rd at 4.15 p.m. when the lit
firework exploded near him, thrown from a car. He suffered burns. If the boy had
turned his head toward the fireworks he could have lost an eye.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3465464a11,00.html
Napier. A $7,000 parking meter has been badly damaged by fireworks. The machine had its front blown off, after a home made sparkler was put into it.
Source: "Parking meter firework casualty", 1.11.2005, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=83189
Wairoa. A man noticed a group of people lighting fireworks outside his Campbell Street address at about 9 p.m. He approached the group and a verbal altercation took place, before one of the group walked up and struck the man with a weapon. The man was taken to hospital with injuries to his left arm and head. 1.11.2005
Source:
"Fireworks
dispute – man injured"
"Fireworks assault weapon located", 3.11.2005, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=83317
Burwood. A family had a narrow escape November 1, 2005, after fireworks caused their house to catch fire.
A man and a woman (both 19) and a youth (17) will appear in the Christchurch District Court November 2, 2005, charged with arson after a fire started outside by fireworks got into the house through an open window.
Source:
2.11.2005, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3464394a11,00.html
Palmerston.
Local Fire Chief says accidental and deliberate firework related fires are on
the increase.
Source: "Fire service support organised displays", 2.11.2005, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=83239
Arrowtown. A 19th-century Chinese goldminer's hut was destroyed in a blaze blamed on fireworks. 3.11.2005
Source:
Rotorua.
A woman cried as she was forced to walk home for two-and-a-half hours after
being refused a lift on a Cityride bus because she was carrying fireworks in
shopping bags.
Source:
"
Police believe fireworks may be the cause of a massive blaze between Queenstown and Glenorchy. One hundred rural residents had to be evacuated to Queenstown and 60 hectares of scrub have been destroyed.
About 25 spent
fireworks were found at a layby on the Queenstown-Glenorchy road, about 12km
from the resort – the estimated origin of the fire. <<Being that
time of year and that we did find those fireworks, it is possible they
started it,>> a Detective Constable said.
Source:
"Fireworks may have caused scrubfire", 3.11.2005, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=83304
"Fireworks
blamed for another fire", 3.11.2005, http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=56421&c=w
"Fireworks
found near bushfire", 4.11.2005, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3466767a11,00.html
Near
Palmerston North. A boy (3) watched a fireworks display at his cousin's home,
with the fireworks being lit in a paddock about 30m from the house. One of the
rockets exploded out the side of the cardboard holder and flew towards the
startled spectators. The boy had been hit in the stomach by the pyrotechnic
which set his jacket on fire. He tried to pull it off with his hands, scorching
his palms and fingers.
Source:
"Mother of fireworks victim calls for ban", 5.11.2006, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10409225
Waiheke
Island (in the Hauraki Gulf). A man has lost part of his hand after an explosion
involving fireworks at a house on Waiheke Island. The 20-year-old is believed to
have been making pipe bombs when a large quantity of explosive was triggered.
Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/bulletins/radionz/200511050822/c6bb3cb
In
the 10-day period when fireworks were legally for sale (Oct. 27 to Nov. 5):
Firefighters
attended over 700 fireworks-related fires in vegetation, buildings, and cars as
well as nuisance fires in rubbish bins, letterboxes and other small spaces.
Police
attended nearly 1200 fireworks-related incidents, with 21% of all call-outs for
disorderly behaviour, bomb incidents and property damage during this period
being fireworks-related.
In
all there were 1867 fires, up 70% on 2004 and the highest number since sky
rockets were banned following a disastrous Guy Fawkes Day in 1994. The biggest rise was
in small fires such as those set in rubbish bins and letterboxes (up 50% on 2004
to about 350 fires).
More
than 240 letterboxes were destroyed or damaged by fireworks.
The
number of fireworks imported into New Zealand this year was more than 50%
greater than 2004.
| Fires between Oct. 27 and Nov. 5 | 2005: 1867 | 2000: 1077 |
| 2004: 1087 | 1999: 756 | |
| 2003: 1049 | 1998: 787 | |
| 2002: 918 | 1997: 1253 | |
| 2001: 795 | 1996: 1015 |
Source:
"Guy Fawkes 'worst in 10 years'", 24.11.2005, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10356795
"Worst Guy Fawkes in 10 years: emergency services", 24.11.2005, http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/bulletins/radionz/200511241622/3c8531a1
Ashburon.
An arson attack on Chinese workers in their home in the Beach Road: A group of
youth are throwing bottles at the house and setting off fireworks. The front
window of the house was broken and a fire started in the hallway between 10.30
p.m. and 11 p.m. Fireworks caused the blaze.
Source:
"Arson attack 'highlights cultural divide'", 21.11.2005, http://www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz/index.asp?articleid=6348
Kawhia
Harbour corner of Kaora and Moke Sts. Children playing with fireworks may have
been responsible for the burning of a sacred pohutukawa tree, more than 800
years old.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3495297a11,00.html
2004
Paraparaumu.
Modified fireworks were used to blow up a rubbish bin. The bin caught fire and
the incident had the potential to cause a lot of damage, including injury to
passers-by.
27.10.2004
Source:
"
Wellington. Police are dealing with a number of calls about youths being irresponsible with fireworks, throwing them at cars and into peoples' properties.
Source: "Fireworks causing problems for police", 30.10.2004, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=61330
Wellington. Wellington police say they had reports of a car driving around the Hutt Valley shooting crackers at houses and passersby.
Source: "Abuse of fireworks worries police", 31.10.2004, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=61335
A boy (16) has been charged with arson after a house fire in St. Albans on November 6, 2004. The house caught fire apparently as a result of fireworks.
Source: "Court appearance after house fire", 8.11.2004, http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=61827
2003
Point
Chevalier, Auckland. A
boy (10) was taken to the hospital in a serious condition after a fireworks
accident. 18.11.2003
Source: "Fireworks accident puts boy in hospital", 19.11.2003, http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3534935
1987
Wanganui.
John Agnew, a 43-year-old father of four, was struck in the head by flying
shrapnel from a metal cannister used to fire a starshell firework during a
pre-Christmas public firework display. The display was more than 100 metres away
from the spectators, many were hurt. Mr Agnew never regained consciousness and
died in hospital two weeks later. 13.12.1987
Source: "Widow warns of danger of fireworks", 2.11.2007, http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dailynews/4258477a6554.html
1898
Christchurch. An explosion at Stoke's Fireworks Factory
blew the whole roof off the building, which was soon in flames. 20.10.1898
Source: "Serious explosion at Christchurch. A fireworks factory blown up", Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 97, 21 October 1898, Page 5, http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EP18981021.2.41