Laois County Council has called on the public to report the stockpiling of bonfire materials in their areas, over concerns of rampant bonfires this Halloween. 

The Council has maintained an ongoing awareness campaign of the dangers bonfires pose.

"Please do not contribute to bonfires," Laois County Council said.

Pictured: File photo

"Bonfires pose serious safety risks and cause lasting harm to our environment and wildlife. Let's work together to protect our shared spaces. Report stockpiling of bonfire materials by calling 1800 32 32 30," they said.

A section of the Council's website is also dedicated to warning of the repercussions of bonfires in Laois.

"Burning of waste in bonfires at Halloween and other times of the year is an offence," the Council reprimanded.

"It is an offence to burn any type of waste (material that is being discarded) this includes Garden Waste (hedge trimmings/grass cuttings etc.). The use of devices/containers such as Skips, Barrels and/or "domestic waste incinerators" to burn waste is an offence," they said.

"It is an offence to burn household waste by use of stoves or open fires."

Laois County & Fire Rescue Service has also produced a pamphlet on the harms of bonfires, and what to avoid to stay safe.

"Bonfires and unauthorised fireworks displays are illegal in Ireland for a reason," they said.

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"Thousands of people throughout the Country have witnessed the pain and suffering of friends and family members because of fireworks and bonfire displays that have gone horribly wrong.

"Where bonfires do occur, they should be well clear of all residential areas and away from ESB cables and pylons. Ideally, the bonfire should be sited in a clear open space. It should be at a safe distance (preferably no less than 50 metres) from houses, buildings, trees, wooden fences, overhead cables or car parking areas," the representative said.

"The layout of the area should also take the direction of the wind into account so that the bonfire does not blow towards the spectators and sparks are not carried towards any combustible materials.

"Never use petrol/paraffin etc to light a bonfire. Do not allow fireworks to be thrown on bonfires – this is highly dangerous. The site should have a suitable entrance(s) for emergency service vehicles and all access routes should be kept clear of obstruction," Laois Fire Service advised.

Pictured: One of the fire engines in the Laois County & Fire Rescue Service fleet

"The bonfire should be kept to a manageable size and the maximum height should not normally exceed 3m. It should be evenly built so that it collapses inwards as it burns. Spectators should be kept at a minimum distance of three times the height of the bonfire to minimise the chances of injury in the event of the bonfire collapsing.

"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, gas cylinders, tins of paint etc. Car / large tyres should not be used as they produce large amounts of toxic smoke, and they can roll off the bonfire when alight and travel significant distances," they said.

"Light-weight materials that may be blown away while on a fire should not be used. At the end of the event, the bonfire should be extinguished with water, and it should not be left until the person in charge is certain that it is out.

"If your bonfire gets out of hand, dial 999 / 112 and inform Laois County Council Fire Authority. If you dress up in dark clothes, add reflective material to improve visibility to all road users. Preferably only use fire retardant materials and make sure your costume has a genuine CE safety mark on its label.

"Hairspray is extremely flammable, so take this into consideration when dressing up. Keep costumes away from naked flames, including open fires, bonfires, candles and even sparklers. Ensure children are accompanied by a guardian," Laois County & Fire Rescue Service finished.

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