Bonfire warning issued ahead of Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to be aware of the hazards of bonfires and is also urging businesses not to supply any waste material to persons who do not hold a valid waste collection permit.

Niall Curtin, Chief Fire Officer, Waterford Fire Service issued a warning regarding the dangers of bonfires. 

“Halloween is a particularly busy time for Waterford Fire Service," he said. He commented that last year Waterford fire brigades attended 20 bonfires and other outdoor fires on Halloween night and the weeks leading up to it.

“Bonfires have the potential to harm people with burns, inhalation of toxic fumes and injury from exploding cylinders and cannisters," he said. "In addition, every year we see community and amenity areas significantly damaged in the aftermath of such fires," he added.

Waterford Fire Service also provided tips on having a safe and injury-free Halloween: If you find yourself in an area where there is a bonfire, supervise children, don’t let them get too close to a fire as many Halloween costumes can easily ignite causing horrible injuries; Move away from the area if you see items being thrown onto the bonfire; Be careful if decorating your home. Keep lit candles away from combustible decorations.

The fire service also advises people to examine any decorative lighting and stop using them if you see damage or notice any overheating and the lead up to Halloween is always a good time to test smoke detectors in your home.

Mr Curtin added: “Unfortunately, on more than one occasion we have been faced with anti-social behaviour at these fires. This behaviour has hindered fire personnel doing their jobs in a safe manner."

"Please allow our brigades to carry out their jobs safely," he said.

"Injuries to firefighters and damage to vehicles may have an adverse impact on our ability to respond to other urgent emergencies in our community," he added. "For any fire emergencies over the Halloween period dial 112 / 999 and ask for the Fire Service immediately.” 

Mr Curtin also said burning of waste in bonfires, and particularly the burning of highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council's Environment Department has requested that businesses or members of the public do not supply waste material to anyone who does not hold a valid waste collection permit.

“The uncontrolled burning of waste, particularly in bonfires, is illegal and releases toxic pollutants into the air, which are known to be damaging to our health and environment," said Mr Kane.

"The use of accelerants on bonfires can pose a significant safety risk and threat to the public," he added.

"We would urge the public to report materials being hoarded such as pallets, tyres, combustible waste or old furniture, by getting in touch with the Council’s Waste Enforcement Section.” 

Members of public are also advised not to buy, use or supply fireworks. Illegal fireworks may be manufactured without safety standards and can cause serious damage to users, particularly children. Parents should monitor their children and ensure they do not play with fireworks. Throughout the country, every year children end up tragically injured and often scarred for life, after using illegal fireworks. To report the storage and collection of materials for bonfires call Waterford City and County Council on 0818 10 20 20. Report fireworks to the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.