Overview of Halloween callouts
Firefighters in Northern Ireland faced a busy Halloween night, but the total number of operational incidents marked a slight decrease compared with the same period in the previous year. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported that between 6pm on October 31 and 1am on November 1, crews were mobilised to 53 incidents across the region. The figure reflects a continuation of the seasonal demand that emergency services anticipate during fireworks and Halloween celebrations, with incidents ranging from genuine fires to associated rescue and mitigation tasks.
What types of incidents occurred
NIFRS noted a variety of callouts throughout the hours of darkness and into the early hours of the morning. While specific incident details were not disclosed in full, typical Halloween-related calls often include small outdoor rubbish fires, deliberate fire-setting, chimney fires, and accidents involving candles, decorations, or pyrotechnics. The 53 incidents likely encompassed a mix of these categories, along with any emergent rescue or safety operations that required crew specialist equipment or rapid response times.
How this compares with last year
Officials emphasised that while 53 incidents show a high level of activity, the Halloween period this year was slightly less demanding than the previous year. This gentle decrease is part of a broader pattern seen in some briefs, where public safety messaging and evolving community awareness contribute to changes in the volume of callouts. NIFRS continues to monitor trends, adapting resources to ensure readiness for any spikes in demand during peak festive periods.
Response and preparedness
In response to the night’s incidents, fire crews deployed standard safety procedures, including rapid risk assessment, scene safety management, and efficient dispatch of resources. Firefighters worked with partner agencies as needed, ensuring that local communities benefited from timely interventions. The efficiency of the response underscores the ongoing commitment of NIFRS to protect residents, businesses, and visitors during Halloween festivities.
Public safety tips for Halloween
As communities reflect on the night, several safety messages remain essential for residents and visitors:
– Plan safe outdoor celebrations and maintain a clear area around candles, lanterns, and decorative lighting to reduce fire risk.
– Use battery-powered candles or LED lights where possible to minimise open flames near costumes, props, and dry vegetation.
– Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and never leave cooking or lantern flames unattended.
– Ensure escape routes are clear in homes and that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning.
– If a fire or dangerous situation arises, call the emergency services immediately and avoid attempting risky DIY extinguishing strategies.
What comes next
With Halloween behind them, NIFRS and local authorities will review the night’s events to identify any lessons learned and possible improvements in public information campaigns, prevention work, and response coordination for future festivities. Community safety remains a priority, with ongoing efforts to reduce fire risk through education, home safety visits, and outreach ahead of upcoming seasonal events.
