Don’t burn tyres at Hallowe’en

Each year in the run up to Hallowe’en, local authorities remove thousands of tyres from bonfire stockpiles around the country, writes Trish Whelan. Continental Tyres Ireland is strongly advising people not to include tyres among the material they plan to burn in bonfires this year.

Tom Dennigan, General Manager of Continental Tyres Ireland, says: “Each year at this time, we hear reports of many thefts of old tyres from tyre dealer premises and we know that there are some unscrupulous tyre dealers who are giving old tyres out to youths who are collecting material for the traditional Hallowe’en bonfire. We would strongly advise against burning tyres on a bonfire, for, aside from it being illegal, smoke from burning tyres carries toxins that are detrimental to both humans and animals.”

He says the residue from burnt tyres can also be very damaging to the environment and 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 Hallowe’en 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. 

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