WARNING: Graphic content and pictures contained.
As the countdown continues to Halloween Gardaí in Donegal have issued a reminder about the danger posed by fireworks.
Fireworks include items which burn and explode to produce noise or a visual effect for entertainment.
Sparklers, bangers, fountains and rockets are all fireworks. There are laws about what types of fireworks you can have and how you can use them.
It is an offence to:
• Light an unlicensed firework
• Throw a lit firework at a person or property, except for low-hazard fireworks
• Have an unlicensed firework
• Have an unlicensed firework with the intention of selling it or giving it to someone else
Those caught breaking the law could face up to five years in prison or a €10,000 fine, or both.
Speaking to Donegal Daily last month, Inishowen Councillor, Jack Murray, urged parents to be viligant of their children this Halloween.
He said: “Fireworks make for a good spectacle if used in a safe environment, but they are very dangerous and if young children get their hands on them they can be particularly dangerous.”
Picture: An Garda Siochana
Urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers fireworks pose, the Donegal Fire Service added: “Members of the public are asked not to buy, use or supply fireworks and parents are requested to monitor their children and make sure they do not play with fireworks including bangers.
“Every year children end up tragically injured and often scarred for life after using illegal fireworks.”
