The fire service has reported an increase in emergency callouts on Halloween night across Northern Ireland.
Figures from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service revealed that from 6pm on October 31 and 1am on November 1, fire crews responded to 63 operational incidents.
Several of these incidents were related to Halloween celebrations - including 16 bonfires.
In 2023, the NIFRS responded to 44 operational incidents in the same time period, with one of these incidents being a bonfire. These figures equated to a 2% increase for the same period in 2022.
In the run up to this year's Halloween celebrations, the fire service issued cruical fire safety advice. The risk of fire can increase significantly over the Halloween period due to more decorations, candles, and fireworks being used.
NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: "We’re calling on everyone in the community to stay vigilant and act responsibly so that you enjoy Halloween safely.
"It’s crucial to remember that fireworks are extremely dangerous and can set fire to buildings, clothing and cause serious damage to the face and hands if used irresponsibly.
"Always follow the Firework Safety Code ensuring they are ‘CE’ marked to meet EU requirements. Remember to use fireworks in a safe, clear area, keeping children and pets well away."
The NIFRS also issued a specific warning around the use of sparklers, especially when in close proximity to Halloween costumes.
Group Commander Morrow added: "Sparklers may seem harmless, but they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns.
"When using sparklers, make sure they are held at arm’s length and away from faces and flammable materials. Always supervise children closely and dispose of used sparklers safely by soaking them in a bucket of cold water.
"Fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable. Opt for costumes made from fire-retardant materials and avoid long, trailing fabrics. Ensure that children are supervised at all times and kept away from fireworks and open flames.
"It is important to make children aware of the ‘STOP, DROP and ROLL’ technique to quickly put the flames out if their costume catches fire."
English (United States) ·