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

Report an ongoing nuisance

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.