Garden bonfires
I’ve had to deal with a couple of issues recently and had to look up the regulations on these. I’m quite grateful to Somerset Live for running an article in 2018 on this as their advice looks very much in line with my understanding of the council’s web-site here.
General guidelines
- Avoid having them at all by composting or chipping the materials if possible.
- Don’t cause a nuisance to neighbours by being considerate to their needs – are they out in their gardens or do they have washing out or are their windows open? Either ask or wait till they have retired to their houses and closed the windows.
- Consider the collective effect you and other bonfire users might have on those that don’t use them.
Think about the time of day
You can have a bonfire at any time on any day of the week but there are times when it is more courteous to others to do so. Having your fire in the early morning or early evening can be less of a nuisance but smoke may linger.
Positioning
Positioning of a bonfire is important as it is best to be clear of any windows, trees, fences or other combustible materials. Also take a note of the wind speed and direction as smoke and even embers might be caught in the wind.
Burning
Burn only dry materials. Have a quick, hot fire to reduce smoke emissions. Remember your personal safety and never use liquid fuels to get a fire going. An incinerator, £18 from Homebase, does elevate burning temperatures and is easier to control. Remember to empty the ash each time as it blocks the aeration holes. Never burn general household rubbish, plastics, foam, treated wood or similar items as these give off very noxious fumes.
Danger to traffic by smoke
If you allow smoke from your bonfire to drift across the road, it could become a danger to traffic. Fines could be imposed if the situation becomes dangerous for motorists. We have had an instance of this in Camden.
Complaining
The occasional fire is unlikely to be deemed a nuisance by the local authority and in most cases a 1:1 conversation is the best approach to finding something which suits both parties.
Persistence of having a bonfire and obliviousness to its effects on others can lead to enforcement measures from the Council who can issue an ‘abatement notice’ and a bad relationship with your neighbours. To make your case you will need to keep a record of the bonfire activities. A fine of up to £5,000 can be imposed if the notice is not heeded.
Jeremy, Chair