‘We can’t have a fire engine off the road’
By Mary Dennehy
AS HALLOWEEN approaches firefighters have encouraged members of the public to enjoy the night safely – alongside asking those who may be engaged in anti-social behaviour to not target fire engines as they respond to calls within communities.
Peter Navan is a District Officer with Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) and is over the Bravo District, which takes in Dolphin’s Barn, Ballyfermot, Lucan, Clondalkin and Tallaght - stretching right up to the back of Bohernabreena and down to Mount Argus.
The windscreen of the Dublin Fire Brigade vehicle damaged on Sunday
This district has two fire stations, Tallaght and Dolphins Barn, which between them have four fire engines, one emergency tender and two ambulances.
Mr Navan has asked people to not engage in any activity over Halloween that could result in a fire engine being taken off the road, after an engine from Dolphin’s Barn was pelted with bricks in Drimnagh last Sunday – smashing the windscreen.
According to Mr Navan if a windscreen is smashed, a fire engine could be off the road for three or four hours – or even a night depending on the level of damage caused.
“We’d be asking people to leave us alone, let us carry on with our work… we can’t have a fire engine off the road at any stage,” Mr Navan said.
“When you see us coming over the next few days don’t think we are there to spoil your fun.
“We are checking that everybody is safe.”
In a tweet about the incident, DFB said that the attack on the Dolphin’s Barn fire engine In Drimnagh was “not representative” of the vast majority of people.
“This is not representative of the vast majority of people we serve however, attacks can only be stopped with the help of the wider community,” DFB said.
The next few days will be a busy time for emergency services and Mr Navan has asked the public to report any stockpiling or illegal bonfires to the council for removal.
Mr Navan also stressed the need for young children to be supervised.
“We would be encouraging people to keep young children supervised and to try and avoid illegal bonfires,” Mr Navan said.
“There are a lot of dangers associated with illegal bonfires aside from the anti-social behaviour and drinking.
“Lots of people place items in bonfires that can explode like aerosols and gas cylinders.
“If you are going to an illegal bonfire do not stand in the vicinity of it, don’t get too close.
“If anyone is using fireworks, and I’d like to remind the public that they are still illegal, follow the instructions carefully – and keep children away.”
He added: “On Halloween, we’re not there to spoil anyone’s fun, we are there because we are responding to phone calls.
“If we arrive at a bonfire and it is not posing any threat to people, buildings or infrastructure, like electricity cables, we will leave it alone – unless the gardai request that we put it out.”
Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween, Mr Navan reminded anybody who feels that a bonfire is too close to their home or is in the path of sparks to call 999 or 112.
To report stockpiling contact South Dublin County Council on 4149000 or email info@sdublincoco.ie.
Dublin City Council can be contacted on 2222222/6796186 or by emailing checkout@dublincity.ie
