Firefighters are coming under attack from hostile crowds while responding to requests for assistance from members of the public at illegal bonfires, said Dublin Fire Brigade.
Around a dozen bonfires were started on Thursday night and early Friday, and Red Line Luas activities were halted near James’ Hospital for a period as crews tackled a large blaze on nearby Basin Street.
On Friday morning, fire crews again responded at Basin Street and were met with a hail of debris from revellers. They also met hostile revellers in Finglas over night.
Given the mix of expected dry weather and the fact that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, firefighters in Dublin in particular are anticipating a very busy night on October 31st.
"We only put bonfires out if they're a danger to the surrounding area. The one in Basin Street, we had to put it out because it was affecting the Luas and consequently did cause the Luas to be shut down for a period," said Dublin Fire Brigade district officer David Kavanagh.
“At Halloween, there are a large number of incidents. Last year we dealt with 623 fire calls alone. Unfortunately what you find is that especially later on in the evenings alcohol becomes a factor and people think we’re coming in as killjoys just to put the bonfire out,” he added.
Fire brigades are obliged to intervene in cases where fires are lit near overhead cables, near premises which can be affected by smoke and sparks, and even on rubber-based Astroturf pitches which are sometimes used for the unsanctioned events.
“We are one of the few services that are called when people are in trouble and we’re coming to lend assistance to somebody and someone tries to stone you. We’re only doing our jobs,” said Mr Kavanagh, commenting on attacks on fire fighters.
He urged parents to supervise children and teenagers who may be attending local bonfires and warned of the dangers of fireworks.
“Fireworks are illegal, and unfortunately as firemen we see the dark side of Halloween, and I don’t mean the ghosts and the goblins side of it. It’s horrendous for us - especially as parents ourselves- to see a young child with his hand or his fingers blown off because they’re playing with fireworks.”
Gardaí have reminded people that the sale, possession or use of fireworks in Ireland is illegal. It is also illegal to have fireworks that may have been legally bought elsewhere and then brought into the State.
The only exception to these laws is where a “professional” type firework display is authorised under permit, gardaí say.
Gardaí are set to confiscate any fireworks they find and anyone found with them may be prosecuted. They are appealing to parents to be vigilant and to take bangers and fireworks off children if they discover they have them.
Anyone with information about the illegal sale of fireworks should contact their local garda station or use the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Hoarded bonfire materials can be reported to 1800 251 500 or to the Environmental Protection Agency on 1850 365 121.