Fire fighting services throughout the State are preparing for what is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year, although rain seems set to dampen many Hallowe'en celebrations.
Parents and those organising bonfires and outdoor activities tonight have been urged to ensure proper supervision and management of fires.
Fire services and the National Safety Council have also issued their annual warning that all fireworks are illegal, unless their importation has been authorised and the display licensed by the fire authorities.
Powerful fireworks are readily available on the streets of most cities and towns and many appear to have been imported from across the border, according to one fire safety officer.
Mr Joseph Gannon, senior executive fire prevention officer with Dublin Fire Brigade, said: "We cannot say it often enough - fireworks are not legal and they should not be for sale."
Mr Gannon said the fire authorities were happy to support communities who were putting on organised displays, where a licence had been arranged and where the fire brigade has been notified. Such events have been organised by communities in Darndale and Bluebell, among other areas in Dublin.
The fire officer also urged people to exercise caution in relation to bonfires. "We would ask people not to build them too high and to avoid using tyres and batteries. They should also be supervised by adults - it is not something that can be left for children to manage."
Mr Gannon said bonfires should be set on a "proper site" and not built too close to houses. Those supervising bonfires should also ensure that wind conditions were favourable and that there is no danger of the fire being blown towards nearby buildings.
"If there are any accidents or it looks like the fire is getting out of control, then people should notify the fire brigade immediately," he said.
Mr Gannon said fires should also be damped down properly at the end of the evening and not simply left to die down overnight.
He said the fire brigade had also asked businesses not to use Hallowe'en as an opportunity to get rid of rubbish by passing it on to those setting fires as businesses were obliged to pay for the proper disposal of their rubbish.
Mr Pat Costello, chief executive of the National Safety Council also urged parents not to buy fireworks, which were both "illegal and dangerous".
"Hallowe'en is the busiest time of the year for ambulance, fire and hospital services and this is an unnecessary waste of resources as these incidents could have been prevented," he said.
A bonfire should be clear of all residential areas, away from ESB cables and pylons, the NSC said. The body also urged people to keep pets indoors this evening.
The NSC safety guidelines also suggest that where children are dressed up in dark clothes, reflective material should be added to their costumes to improve their visibility to drivers and cyclists. Fire retardant materials should also be used where possible and children should always be accompanied by an adult for their own safety.