Gardaí and Fire services in Tipperary are warning of the dangers of bonfires and fireworks this Halloween.
Many people have been having to put up with illegal fireworks being set off in recent weeks while bonfires are being prepared in towns and villages across the county.
Superintendent Eddie Golden of Thurles Garda station says many of the fireworks in circulation are of questionable quality and is urging people to steer clear.
“These fireworks come into the country from different sources now. They are illegal – there’s only very specific fireworks that are allowed to be used by licensed operators. And it is an offence to light an unlicensed firework, throw a lit firework at any person or property.
“An Garda Siochana have power to request your name and address, request you to go to the Garda station to verify your name and address if we’re not satisfied, search you without warrant.”
Gardaí are urging people to be responsible and not set off fireworks or bangers near houses.
Superintendent Golden says these pyrotechnics can cause fear and stress.
“It’s the dangers associated with the fireworks and I know the Fire Service are always around this time of the year advocating those safety messages.
“I would also feel for people that have animals – small animals in particular – who get very, very frightened with the fireworks. A lot of the complaints we get are from people living in towns and fireworks are being left off in close proximity and its causing a lot of distress.”
