Clare Fire Service called to 10 Halloween bonfires

ENNIS, Ireland - Nov. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- The Chief Fire Officer for Clare has expressed his gratitude to the people of the County for heeding the Fire Service's appeal not to use the Halloween period to illegally dispose of waste material on bonfires.

Adrian Kelly said compliance across Clare was "generally excellent". However, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service was called to attend 10 bonfire incidents throughout the County between Thursday (30th October) and Saturday (1st November) at an estimated cost of €11,500.

“Bonfires are an illegal, dangerous and costly tradition,” explained Mr. Kelly, who added: “Halloween is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the Fire Service and responding to bonfire call outs creates a strain on existing resources. Most of the bonfires we attended over the weekend were constructed close to houses and other property which consequently presented risks to personal safety and property."

He continued: "I would like to remind the public of the fire safety hazards that arise from any uncontrolled burning of waste, where the burning of highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries or death. Such activity is illegal under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, and The Waste Management Acts, 1996-2011. The burning of waste also releases toxic pollutants into the air which are known to be damaging to public health and the environment."