Firefighters are coming under attack from hostile crowds at bonfires while responding to requests for assistance from the public, Dublin Fire Brigade said after a number of incidents.
About a dozen bonfires were started on Thursday night and early yesterday.
Luas Red Line services were halted near St James’s Hospital for a period as crews tackled a large blaze on nearby Basin Street.
Yesterday morning fire crews again responded at Basin Street, and were met with a hail of debris from revellers.
“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.”
Fire brigades
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 firefighters.
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 will 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.