'Life-changing injuries': Dublin Fire Brigade issue warning about the dangers of bonfires and fireworks

Dublin Fire Brigade has issued a strong warning about the potentially life-changing dangers of fireworks and bonfires this Halloween.

On RTE’s Morning Ireland, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer said that there were approximately 250 fire-related calls taken last Halloween and around 390 ambulance calls.

According to the Assistant Chief, there are “a lot of serious incidents” surrounding fireworks and bonfires at this time of year.

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He also said that there will be additional staff taking calls tonight to monitor the expected accidents and that they will have a “full compliment of crews” across Dublin city for the night.

"Fireworks do cause a lot of injuries. The biggest danger around bonfires is projectiles, the hidden dangers within the bonfire itself…”

"Fireworks are illegal and they're illegal for a reason because there's no quality assurance around these illegally imported fireworks.

"They go off prematurely in young people's hands, they've even gone off in people's pockets without ignition, just by friction."

According to Greg, fireworks can cause “life-changing injuries” such as burns to the face, eyes and hands.

Gardaí have asked that those celebrating tonight be "safe and sensible”.

Those selling or using illegal fireworks can face up to five years in prison or a hefty fine of €10,000 if found guilty.

Pet owners have also been encouraged to keep an eye on their animals and keep them inside if fireworks are going off in the area.

Dogs Trust Ireland has urged dog owners to ensure that they are wearing collars with ID on them so that they can be reunited with their pets in the event that they run away due to the stress of fireworks.

When discussing Halloween, Veterinary and Welfare Manager of Dogs Trust Ireland Niamh Curran-Kelly said the night "can be one of the worst times of year for dogs who do not understand what fireworks are or when they will end".

The fireworks can be very distressful for cats also, with one “distraught” family losing their beloved animal this year due to firework stress and making a heartfelt plea for people to be more considerate of pets when using fireworks this time of year.

Richard Quinlan shared the upsetting story about his Maine Coon cat passing away after fireworks were let off too close to her enclosure. "She was stretched out dead on the floor, her tongue was fully out, she had bit through her tongue, a full seizure. She's only two and a half."

He mentioned that that the cat’s death was due to the stress of the fireworks going off above her.

"We are distraught. I am a massive animal lover and anybody we know knows how we are about our animals," he said.

"If people can be aware when they are letting off fireworks in the residential area, it has knock on effects.

The Dublin Fire Brigade expects tonight to be their busiest night of the year due to firework use and bonfires.