Dublin Fire Brigade has warned about the dangers of fireworks and bonfires ahead of what it expects to be its busiest night of the year.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Greg O'Dwyer said they took approximately 250 fire-related calls last Halloween, as well as 390 ambulance calls.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said they will have additional staff taking calls tonight and will have a "full complement of crews" across the city.
He said they see "a lot of serious incidents" due to fireworks and bonfires.
"Fireworks do cause a lot of injuries. The biggest danger around bonfires is projectiles, the hidden dangers within the bonfire itself, gas cylinders shooting out of the bonfire like missiles," he explained.
"[We've seen] injuries to the upper body, hands, fireworks going off in people's hands.
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"Fireworks are illegal and they're illegal for a reason because there's no quality assurance around these illegally imported fireworks.
"They go off prematurely in young people's hands, they've even gone off in people's pockets without ignition, just by friction.
"They cause life changing injuries - disfigurement of hands and fingers, injuries to the face, burns, eye injuries."
Gardaí have urged those celebrating the festivities tonight to be "safe and sensible".
Superintendent Ann-Marie Twomey said: "If you are celebrating Halloween this year, we want you to safely enjoy the night and we're asking young people in particular to please be sensible."
"You can get into the spirit of Halloween without causing distress to others, potentially endangering yourself by using illegal fireworks or doing anything potentially criminal that will get you into bother."
Significant fines of up to €10,000 or up to five years in prison can be imposed on those selling or using illegal fireworks if convicted.
Legislation came into effect in 2006, which made it an offence to possess a firework with intent to sell or supply without a licence, light unlicensed fireworks, or throw or direct a lit firework at any person or property.
Pet owners have also been urged to keep them indoors if fireworks are going off, and to ensure foods such as chocolate, raisins and sweets containing xylitol are kept away from them.
Dogs Trust Ireland has recommended making sure dogs are wearing a collar with an ID tag attached and up to date microchip details, so that they can be quickly reunited should they get a fright and escape.
Its Veterinary and Welfare Manager Niamh Curran-Kelly said Halloween "can be one of the worst times of year for dogs who do not understand what fireworks are or when they will end".
"Sadly they seem to be starting earlier every year, prolonging the fear. If your dog is showing any signs of being worried by fireworks, we recommend walking them earlier in the day when fireworks are less likely, and when you're at home close the curtains and turn up the volume on the TV to block them out," she added.
