Dublin Fire Brigade is urging people living in the capital to ‘stay safe' this Halloween.

It has just launched its annual Halloween Safety Campaign in conjunction with the Gardai, the DSPCA and Dublin Bus. The campaign aims to educate people, particularly children, on the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires.

Every year, emergency departments ‘are filled with children who receive horrific and painful injuries as a result of the misuse of fireworks and bonfires', Dublin Fire Brigade warned.

It reminded people that Halloween is about dressing up, trick-or-treating and having fun with friends and family.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with this campaign, Dublin City Council is also urging people to have a safe Halloween. In relation to bonfires, it noted that these can present a major safety risk and can cost thousands of euro in damage to public and private property.

The council is calling on anyone who sees the stockpiling or storage of bonfire material over the coming week, to report it immediately. Reports can be made to the council's litter hotline on 1800 251 500 or online at www.dublincity247.ie

Other tips for a safe Halloween include:
-Do not leave materials lying around that may be taken for use in a bonfire, such as tins of paint, tyres, aerosols, batteries and old furniture
-Contact your local authority if you see a bonfire being built or lit close to buildings, trees, overhead cables or car parking areas
-Explain the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers
-Keep pets indoors on Halloween night
-Stay with your children when they are trick or treating.

A bonfire safety leaflet is available to view here