Halloween is about dressing up and having fun with your family and friends, nobody wants to end their night with a trip to the hospital. Fireworks and bonfires are dangerous and illegal and should never be played with, so this Halloween – Be Safe Stay Safe.
Traditionally bonfires were lit using wood and straw; however, with changing times many bonfires are now used as a means of disposing of waste. Waste materials such as plastic and tyres, mattresses and furniture contain chemicals which, when burned, produce toxic fumes. They are emitted into the air we breathe and are some of the most dangerous pollutants to health. They contaminate the land around the fire and the back-gardens over which the smoke passes. Once released, these toxins will persist for a long time in our environment. They cause problems to people who have respiratory diseases and some of the effects on health may be long-term.
Bonfires and using fireworks are also a significant safety risk and can lead to serious injury. In addition the costs associated with damage to private and public property as a result of bonfires can run to thousands of Euro.
Wicklow County Council are asking everyone to help by following a few sensible rules:
- Do not leave material lying around that may be taken for a bonfire; many garage or garden shed items such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols, batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are extremely dangerous if set on fire
- Parents, business and householders should not provide any materials for bonfires.
- Do not facilitate illegal bonfires or firework displays on or near your home or property
- Explain the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers
- Stay a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks – wind can carry sparks long distances and can cause permanent injuries and scars
- Stay with your children and escort them on “trick or treat” visits, parties and events
- Do not buy, use or supply fireworks
- Respect the work of the Emergency Services, Council Staff and the Gardaí
- Keep pets indoors on Halloween night
- Above All – Be Safe and Stay Safe
Contact the Fire Brigade by calling 999 or 112 if you see a bonfire being lit close to buildings, trees, overhead cables, underground services or car parking areas.
You may report illegal dumping of waste to Wicklow County Council 24 hours a day to 1890 548837 or email litter@wicklowcoco.ie.
Wicklow County Council wish to remind householders and individuals who hand over their waste for bonfire purposes at Halloween that they will be liable for prosecution under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009. (Waste includes household domestic rubbish, beds & mattresses, tyres, tables & chairs, carpets, washing machines, prams, garden waste, aerosol cans, televisions etc.) More information is available on www.wicklow.ie/burning-waste.
Please note: Wicklow County Council will not carry out clean ups before or after bonfires and will not be responsible for the cost of any clean ups after bonfires. There’s nothing innocent about a bonfire!
Tips for an Environmentally Friendly Halloween
Encourage the children in your family to dress up – it’s a fun way for them to express themselves. Get them to make their own costumes, encourage them to be imaginative – steer clear of the “black bag cloak” – choose an environmentally friendly alternative like painting an old sheet or shirt with wacky designs and colours!
And don’t buy a new costume! Have a look around the local charity shops…they often have used costumes and will certainly have things that can be turned into good dress-up items! These might include belts, beads, sheets, old shirts and coats, dresses or capes.
When you are buying your pumpkins, monkey nuts and sweets, choose the ones with the least packaging.
Bonfires are not just dangerous but illegal. Providing any household waste material for burning in a Halloween bonfire is committing a criminal offence. Uncontrolled burning of waste releases deadly dioxins and other chemicals into the air which is then breathed in by children and others standing by. These are deadly chemicals!
Don’t forget to keep pets in a safe place away from fireworks and bonfires!
Send the kids “Trick or Treating” with your reusable shopping bag…that way they’ll fit more sweets in!
Why not have traditional Irish Halloween Games on the night?
- Bobbing for apples
- Telling ghost stories
- Making pumpkin lanterns etc. (lots of ideas on the Internet).
Above all – have a fun, safe Halloween!