Halloween bonfire and fireworks danger warnings in Laois after waste pile reported in Mountmellick
Laois Fire Service remind public that bonfires are dangerous and illegal
Laois County Fire and Rescue Service has warned the public of multiple fire dangers during Halloween, from bonfires to fireworks to costumes going alight.
The eight Laois fire station officers and their crews have issued a joint statement urging people to "stay safe and enjoy the holiday".
James Brown, Paul Bolger, Shusha Kileen, David Donohue, John Fenlon, Colm Kirwan, Tom Lalor and Paul Molloy from Laois County Council Fire Authority have the following advice.
"The Laois County Council Fire Authority Officers are reminding people that bonfires and unauthorised fireworks displays are illegal in Ireland, and for a reason.
"Thousands of people, throughout Ireland, have witnessed the pain and suffering of friends and family members because of fireworks and bonfire displays that have gone horribly wrong.
"Bonfires are illegal and should be avoided. Where bonfires do occur, they should be well clear of all residential areas and away from overhead electrical cables and pylons. A bonfire should be at a safe distance (preferably no less than 50 metres) from houses, buildings, trees, wooden fences, overhead cables, or parking areas
"The location of a bonfire should also take the direction of the wind into account so that the smoke / toxic fumes or sparks produced by a bonfire do not blow towards spectators, homes, buildings, or vehicles
"A bonfire should be kept to a manageable size and the maximum height should not exceed 3 metres (approx. 10 foot). A bonfire should be built so that it collapses inwards as it burns (i.e., wide at the base and narrowing with height)."
Further advice from the Laois fire crews includes dangerous items on bonfires.
"The bonfire should not contain any potentially hazardous materials which may explode or give off toxic fumes, such as aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, cylinders, tins of paint etc.
"Vehicle tyres should not be used as they produce large amounts of toxic smoke, and additionally they can roll off a bonfire when alight and travel significant distances.
"Never allow fireworks to be thrown on bonfires – This is extremely dangerous. Light-weight materials, that may be blown away while on fire, should never be used.
"Never use petrol/paraffin etc. to light a bonfire. The site should have a suitable entrance(s) for emergency service vehicles and all access routes should be kept clear of obstruction. Spectators should be kept at a minimum distance, at least three times the height of the bonfire, to minimise the chances of injury in the event of the bonfire collapsing.
"If a bonfire gets out of hand, dial 999 or 112 immediately and inform Laois County Council Fire Authority.
"A bonfire should be supervised by responsible adults and a perimeter ring should be established and maintained around the bonfire within which no person should be permitted. At the end of the event, the bonfire should be extinguished with water, and it should not be left until the people in charge are certain that it is out," they say.
The Laois fire service also highlights fire dangers of Halloween costumes.
"Remember; If you dress up in dark clothes, always add reflective material to improve visibility to all road users and consider carrying a torch while on the road. Preferably only use fire retardant materials and make sure your costume has a genuine CE safety mark on its label. Keep costumes away from naked flames, including open fires, bonfires, candles and even sparklers and remember that hairspray is extremely flammable. Ensure children are accompanied by responsible adults".
Mountmellick Tidy Towns have reported a recent dumping incident expressing concern that it was for a bonfire.
"It doesn't seem to matter how often we ask people to "please stop dumping" it just falls on deaf ears.
"This behaviour of dumping is illegal, its unacceptable, an insult and a total disregard to the people living in the area. The rubbish below was found in a field at the back of Kirwan Park/ Silverwood area. It has been reported to Laois County Council.
The tidy towns group are pleading with households not to give items for burning.
"We now ask that you "PLEASE DON'T" give young people items for a bonfire. That's what some of this looks like. Bonfires are dangerous and if not built or supervised properly they can cause serious injuries.
Please please be responsible and take ownership of your rubbish bin it," say Mountmellick Tidy Towns.
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