Westmeath Community Development

Fireworks:

This  advice is given in light of the fact that firework-related burns and injuries increase around Halloween.  Fireworks more frequently cause burns and blast injuries to the upper limbs (mainly to the fingers and hand) and the eyes. The majority of such injuries leave permanent disfigurement and/or disability. More children than adults are hurt by fireworks.

Westmeath Fire & Rescue Service wishes to state that the Criminal Justice Act 2006 makes it illegal to possess and ignite an unlicensed firework, to propel or throw an ignited firework, or to sell or supply an unlicensed firework to a third party. Bangers are now defined as fireworks. 

It should also be noted that it is illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside Ireland and brought back into this country. Many of the fireworks that are offered for sale illegally here have not passed any quality control tests and are possibly defective. An Garda Siochana will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution. In addition there is a specific offence under law for throwing any ignited fireworks in public places.

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• Adults should ensure that children are kept away from fireworks.
• Sparklers can get up to five times hotter than cooking oil and they should never be given to a child under five, even under supervision.
• Some fireworks can only be used by firework professionals. These include air bombs, aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar, maroons-in-mortar etc.. .
• Normally a single adult should be in charge of the fireworks. This person should remain vigilant until the last firework has been safely discharged.

Bonfires:

Each year, Accident and Emergency departments are filled with children who receive horrific and painful injuries as a result of the misuse of fireworks and bonfires. In light of this, Westmeath Fire & Rescue Service would recommend that where bonfires are lit, the following guidelines should be followed in an attempt to prevent injury:

• If you see material such as pallets, tyres and old furniture being hoarded in advance of Halloween please contact the environmental section of Westmeath County Council (044-9332000)
• Do not leave material lying around that may be taken for a bonfire; many garage or garden shed items such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols, batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are extremely dangerous if set on fire
• Do not facilitate illegal bonfires or firework displays on or near your home or property
• Contact the County/Town Council if you see a bonfire being built or lit close to buildings, trees, overhead cables, underground services or car parking areas
• Explain the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers
• Stay a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks – wind can carry sparks long distances and can cause permanent injuries and scars
• Stay with your children and escort them on “trick or treat” visits, parties and events
• Keep dangerous substances such as oil, petrol and diesel away from fires or fireworks
• We appeal to all parents, businesses and householders – Please do not provide any materials for bonfires
• Do not buy, use or supply fireworks
• Respect the work of the Emergency Services, Council Staff and An Garda Siochana
• Keep pets indoors on Halloween night
• Above All – Be Safe and Stay Safe