GARDEN BONFIRES

The bonfire gets its name from the medieval bon-fire of animal bones. While modern day bonfire ingredients may not be as gruesome, they still cause pollution and local nuisance.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH BONFIRES?

Air Pollution
Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering. This smoke contains pollutants and will add to the general level of air pollution.
Annoyance
The smoke, smuts and smell from bonfires are the subject of many complaints to local authorities. Smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out.
Health effects and safety
Emissions from bonfires can cause problems for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, and people with heart conditions and children. Fires can scorch trees and plants and piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating wildlife and sleeping pets.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

Composting
A compost bin will produce a useful soil conditioner, saving money on commercial products. Woody waste can be shredded or put in a green compost bin and collected by the Council.

BONFIRES AND THE LAW

It is a common misconception that there are specific bye-laws to prohibit bonfires – there aren’t. An outright ban would be difficult to enforce and very occasionally a bonfire is the best practicable way to dispose of garden waste. If used sensitively, the occasional bonfire should not cause a major problem. However, where a neighbour is causing a problem by burning rubbish the law is on your side. Under the Environmental Act 1990, a statutory nuisance includes “smoke, fumes and gases emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance”. In practice, to be considered a statutory nuisance, a bonfire would have to be a persistent problem, interfering substantially with your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If bothered by smoke, approach your neighbour and explain the problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more considerate in the future