Bonfire smoke contains pollutants that can have damaging health effects. Bonfires often cause discomfort, inconvenience and bad feelings between neighbours.
Any bonfire is a potential safety risk and can spread to fences and garden buildings.
Report an ongoing nuisance
You can report an ongoing nuisance caused by:
- bonfires or
- barbeque smoke
Barbeques
Barbeques can cause annoyance through smoke and cooking smells. You should consider your neighbours by:
- siting the barbeque so the wind blows the smoke away from your neighbours' gardens
- don't light the barbeque when neighbours have their washing out
Garden waste fires
Caution should also be taken if piles of garden waste are being used for a bonfire. These can be used as a refuge by animals, especially hedgehogs.
Garden waste should be disposed of in other ways, such as:
- composting
- shredding and recycling
We can take formal action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 when the burning of garden waste is:
- a regular occurrence and
- a statutory nuisance is caused
If we take action against you, you could be liable for a fine of up to £5,000.