Environment

Bonfires

Bonfires can be a major nuisance to people for the following reasons:

they produce smoke and ash
they smell
they can stop people spending time in their gardens, opening windows or hanging out washing
they can be a fire hazard
they can reduce visibility on roads and lead to accidents
they affect air quality

Bonfires and the law

There are no bylaws about garden bonfires, so anyone can light one at any time and as often as they like.

However, if it causes a statutory nuisance, the council can do something about it and so can you. For a bonfire to be classed as such a nuisance, the smoke will have to be affecting you in your home and/or garden. It will also need to be happening on a regular basis (two or three times a week).

There are laws relating to burning trade waste on industrial or commercial premises (including building sites). If these bonfires emit dark smoke, then an immediate offence is committed and the council or Environment Agency can take action which could include prosecuting the offender.

What to do if you are planning a bonfire

Do you really need to have a bonfire to dispose of the waste? We recommend either composting the waste, taking in to a registered Waste Recycling Facility. You may also wish to consider using the council's Brown Bin service.

If you still feel that having a bonfire is the only option, it is important that you follow the advice:

out of courtesy, inform your neighbours you are proposing to have a bonfire
only burn dry 'clean' wood/garden waste
do not burn household rubbish, such as plastic, foam, paint or rubber.
do not light bonfires when the material is damp because this shall generate more smoke
do not use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire
do not light bonfires when the wind is likely to blow smoke into neighbours' home or garden
do not leave bonfires unattended, even if it is just smouldering

What to do if you are being affected by a bonfire

If you feel comfortable, speak to the person who has the bonfire and explain the problem it is causing. If the problem still continues and is affecting you in your home or garden, please contact Environmental Health to discuss the problems further and/or make a formal complaint.

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