It is that time of the year again when kids (and adults) dress up as something spooky, knock on neighbours doors and ask whether they would like a trick or treat and of course the age old tradition of the Halloween bonfire. Along with the usual Halloween precautions of locking up the dog, not allowing the kids to gorge themselves on too much sweet stuff (nothing worse than a sugar come down before bed) Continental Tyres Ireland is also advising people preparing bonfires for the Halloween celebrations this year not to include tyres among the material they plan to burn.
"We have heard many reports from our tyre dealer customers on the ground of increased incidences of theft of old tyres in the run up to Halloween," said Tom Dennigan, General Manager of Continental Tyres Ireland. "We have to assume that these have been stolen with a view to burning them on Halloween bonfires and we would strongly advise against that. Aside from it being illegal, smoke from burning tyres carries toxins that are detrimental to both humans and animals."
"The residue from burnt tyres can also be very damaging to the environment. In fact, the only safe way to burn a tyre is in a concrete kiln which would have sophisticated filtration systems in place to neutralise any toxins".
"In view of the strong family-focus of Halloween celebrations, often with young children being allowed out late for the first time, it is all the more important that we ensure that bonfires are safe for all revellers, young and old. For this reason it is not advisable to burn tyres or indeed, any other material that may release noxious fumes or that could risk exploding when heated," concluded Dennigan.