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The Rangiora blaze threatened a nearby building but was contained before it spread.

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

The latest news bites from around the region.

Dr. R. Venugopal calls for technology-driven displays and scientific fireworks manufacturing hubs to prevent accidents

Officials said the measures were introduced after forecasts suggested air quality would remain very poor over the coming days.

Report identifies banned potassium chlorate as the cause of the explosion that killed 16 people and injured 40

The orders aim to prevent public inconvenience and potential safety hazards

Those arrested are being held on suspicion of offences including assault and possession of fireworks.

Fireworks imports totalled just $1.2m in the year to September 2026, down nearly 60 percent in just a year.

<p>Consultation follows growing calls from campaigners, vets and National Farmers’ Union for tighter regulation</p><p>As the nights draw in, the season of sparklers begins, with Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve among the occasions typically celebrated with fireworks. But if campaigners get their way, this could be the last blast for bangers in the ba

Many of those suffering injuries over Halloween from the explosives are under 18

Fireworks for the 2023 Riverfire festival in Brisbane were delayed after CFMEU members were walking out on an under-construction bridge and into the fireworks exclusion zone.

Celebrations erupted in Lod, Kafr Manda and Tayibe after Israeli media exit polls projected a combined 18 Knesset seats

ACC logged almost 4000 fireworks injury claims from January 2021 to August 2026.

The BBC's Europe correspondent reports from Paris where mostly peaceful protests turned into unrest after nightfall.