The number of bonfire permits issued in rural Otago for Guy Fawkes this year has halved. The authority had issued eight bonfire permits for private Guy Fawkes events in Otago rural areas this year — five in rural Dunedin City areas, one in Queenstown and two in Clutha. The number of bonfire permits issued in rural areas in Otago this year was down about 50% on past years, he said. East Otago fire risk management officer Mark Bredenbeck said the Fire Service reviewed safety plans for people holding public firework displays. SPCA Otago business development manager Kirsty Thomson wanted people to check their bonfires "for little furry inhabitants" before lighting up.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 03, 2016 17:42 UTC