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Council issues Halloween bonfire
warning
21.10.14
DONEGAL County Council
has cautioned people about the dangers of Halloween
bonfires and fireworks. The council said while it
wanted people to enjoy the fun of the festivities,
it warned that bonfires are illegal. It said
bonfires built close to houses and other property
can expose people to toxic fumes and "can cause
serious damage and injuries particularly where the
burning of highly combustible materials is taking
place".
Environmental awareness officer Suzanne Bogan said:
“It is an offence to supply waste materials to
parties collecting for 'bonfire night’ and it is
illegal to give waste to a person that does not have
a waste collection permit.
“Donegal County Council is currently monitoring a
number of locations were waste materials have been
supplied as bonfire material over the past number of
years and we are undertaking an audit of certain
businesses to ensure that there is compliance under
the relevant legislation and to ensure that waste
materials are not supplied for burning on bonfires."
Meanwhile, the council reminded people that
fireworks are also illegal in Ireland. "Members of
the public are asked not to buy, use or supply
fireworks and parents are requested to monitor their
children and make sure they do not play with
fireworks including bangers," the Council said in a
statement. |
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Tips for a safe
Holloween: |
- Parents,
businesses and householders should not provide
any materials for bonfires.
- Do not leave
material lying around that may be taken for use
in a bonfire; many garage or garden shed items
such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols,
batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are
especially dangerous if set on fire.
- Do not
facilitate illegal bonfires or firework displays
on or near your home or property.
- Explain the
dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks to
children and teenagers.
- Keep pets
indoors on Halloween night – they are sensitive
to noise.
- Respect the
work of the Emergency Services, Council Staff
and the Gardaí.
- Contact the
Fire Service by calling 999 or 112 if you see a
bonfire being lit close to buildings, trees,
overhead cables, underground services or car
parking areas.
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More information
available from Donegal County Council on 91 53900. |
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