Dublin Emergency Services Overwhelmed by 600 Halloween Calls

UPDATE: Dublin’s emergency services faced an overwhelming surge in demand on Halloween night, responding to over 600 calls for assistance. The latest data shows that the Dublin Fire Brigade attended to 244 fire incidents, while ambulance services dealt with 401 reported emergencies on the night of October 31, 2023.

This year’s Halloween marked one of the busiest nights in recent memory for emergency responders, highlighting a troubling trend of increased calls and incidents. The high volume of emergency requests strains resources throughout the capital, raising concerns about public safety and the risks associated with illegal bonfires and fireworks.

In the broader eastern region, firefighters were dispatched to 140 distinct fire-related incidents. Officials attribute this alarming spike in activity to the persistent issues surrounding unsafe Halloween celebrations.

“The increase in bonfire-related activity compared to previous years is concerning,”

stated a spokesperson for the Dublin Fire Brigade. They emphasized that hazardous materials being burned pose serious risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.

Dublin City Council had previously issued guidelines regarding bonfires, warning that illegal fires often contain dangerous items like car tires, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, and household waste. The council reiterated that smoke from such fires is highly toxic and can exacerbate breathing problems for those with pre-existing conditions.

As the clean-up operation begins, officials are cautioning the public about the dangers posed by burned grass, which may contain sharp debris that could injure children and pets. Recovery of the affected grass areas is expected to take over a year, further complicating safety in the community.

Authorities are urging residents to report illegal bonfires and unsafe practices to reduce the strain on emergency services in the future. As the city reflects on this hectic Halloween, officials stress the importance of community responsibility and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in years ahead.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.