Don't make Halloween a fire hazard, parents warned

Parents were today warned to take extra care in the run-up to Halloween and be aware of the dangers of fire during celebrations.

Junior minister Michael Finneran said every year adults and children are injured in accidents when lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair.

He said plastic capes and bin liners, often used for dressing up, are also a fire hazard and advised parents to buy flame-resistant costumes and masks.

“Halloween is a great time of year, especially for children,” said Mr Finneran.

“We do not wish to be seen to be dampening the fun to be had, but we do wish to encourage the public to be sensible and to be safe.

“Please follow sensible fire safety advice. It will ensure celebrations do not become a terrifying experience for all the wrong reasons.”

The minister for local services said the fire service was also preparing for its busiest night of the year ahead.

“Revellers enjoying the night ought to be mindful that emergency services in Dublin were stretched to their limits last Halloween, with Dublin Fire Service called out to some 800 incidents while the ambulance service received about 500 calls,” he added.

“In addition, it is estimated that the bill for cleaning up illegal bonfires in Dublin was more than one million euro last year – wasteful at any time, but particularly hard to stomach in the current climate.”