Bonfires

[porschebabe]

Are there any laws relating to bonfires. I have had one before in my garden and the smoke blew away from houses into open fields. I live in a quiet country village. I have been waiting for a neighbour to have a bonfire so I can have one too at the same time. Some of my 'friends' say there are rules and regulations. Are they pulling my leg?

[Miss Zippy]

Your friends are right, although there is not really a 'right' or 'wrong' time to have a bonfire as such, it all depends on circumstances etc. The principal piece of legislation that deals with 'statutory nuisances', which a bonfire could be, is the Environment Protection Act 1990. An occasional bonfire that is not causing undue nuisance to your neighbours or immediate environment (e.g. not causing smoke to billow on a nearby highway - an offence under the Highways (Amendment) Act 1986) is highly unlikely to be a problem. But the neighbours of someone who has regular bonfires, for instance, which interferes with their enjoyment of their property or their well being etc could request that the Council serves an abatement notice, which can be followed up in the Magistrates.

[ReverendMat]

I don't know about the rules and regs, but I beg of you to be considerate to your neighbours. Sadly I live in an are where bonfires appear to be de rigur and I'm constantly running out to gather up my washing when inconsideratre neighbours light their fires in the middle of warm sunny days, also needing to close all the doors and windows.

[KARL]

I have a fairly large piece of open ground adjacent to our property where I burn tree prunings and other combustible garden waste about once a year or so. On asking, I was told by my local council that there are no rules or laws forbidding me to have a fire, or requiring to notify anyone or ask for permission. It was suggested that I notify the fire service so they are aware in case someone phones in to report a fire - this a direct result when one neighbour called them out (sirens and all). But she is the same neighbour who previously led to my trees being attacked with a chain saw (to obtain a good view) and the result was a successful prosecution (by the authorities) for a criminal offence. Do try to stay on your neighbours' good side if at all possible. In the end your local council will be the best source of information regarding rules and regulations.

[honkytonkman]

Check with your local council office. For example, here in my neck of the woods bonfires are not allowed before 7pm.