'Completely avoidable': Fenz sees upsurge in fires due to fireworks

It's Guy Fawkes day and in the lead-up, Fire and Emergency has already seen a spate of fires caused by stray fireworks.

Fire and Emergency acting national manager community readiness and recovery Tom Ronaldson says since fireworks went on sale they have caused 13 fires around the country.

"These are all completely avoidable and we are seeing the number of fires each day increase so again I want to stress to people that low risk doesn't mean no risk and please make sure they are lighting fireworks safely."

He said the fires often started because people lit them too close to buildings or vegetation.

It was important to have plenty of clear space around the area where the fireworks were being lit and have a large bucket of water or hose on hand.

Ronaldson also urged people to ensure their fireworks were pointed directly up to the sky so they did not land on any other objects, and let neighbours know about plans so that children, pets and livestock could be cared for.

"And lastly, we want to dispose of our fireworks safely so after you're done, pop them in a bucket of water and leave them to soak for a few days before putting them in the bin."

Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the weather for Guy Fawkes day would be warm, cloudy and not very windy, including in Wellington.

There could be a few showers in parts of the North Island with a risk of thunderstorms for the Central Plateau, northern Auckland and Northland.

The east coast of the South Island would be the most ideal area to be letting off fireworks, he said.

"There's nowhere that's overly dry at this time of year."