Households found giving waste to children for bonfires may be prosecuted, and the Council will not clean up after bonfires this year, Wicklow County Council has warned.
If evidence shows ownership of waste on bonfires, fines will be issued or prosecutions taken. Items commonly found on bonfires include household rubbish, hedge and grass cuttings, beds and mattresses, furniture, TVs and other objects.
While old car tyres are particularly popular for Halloween bonfires, the Council wishes to advise that uncontrolled burning of rubber and plastics produces toxic fumes and other chemicals which can damage both people’s health and the environment.
As bonfires are often built close to houses and other properties they can pose risks to personal safety and property. Halloween is also one of the busiest times of the year for the fire service, which means responding to bonfire call outs puts a strain on existing resources.
The Council also wishes to remind anyone organising an event this Halloween that bonfires are illegal and constitute illegal burning.
