Smoke complaints and bonfires
Bonfires
There are no laws preventing you from having a garden bonfire, however, the bonfire must not cause a nuisance to others.
Bonfires can become irritating to others if the smoke and smell prevents neighbours from hanging out washing, opening windows or using their outdoor areas. In cases where the smoke is persistent and substantial and impacts on others enjoying their properties, we will investigate.
In many cases it may be better for you to dispose of any waste in an alternative way but if you are going to have a bonfire you should:
- Let your neighbours know in advance so they can close windows and bring in any washing.
- Try to place the bonfire away from properties.
- Try to avoid burning at weekends and bank holidays when people are likely to be at home
- Make sure you only burn dry material
- Make sure you do not burn household waste and you must never burn tyres, treated wood or plastics.
Never leave a fire unattended.
If you wish to report a smoke nuisance you can use our online form but if it’s safe to do so you may wish to speak to the person causing the nuisance as this can often resolve a situation more quickly.
If you report the issue to us you may be asked to keep diary sheets showing the frequency and timings of the smoke nuisance.
If you believe a fire is dangerous, please call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately on 999.
It is unlikely that a one-off bonfire will meet the threshold for a statutory nuisance unless the smoke is particularly significant or is affecting a large number of properties.