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Bonfires
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Bonfires
The law
There are no by-laws specifically
banning bonfires or controlling the times they can be burned. But
they can cause a breach of the statute of nuisance, especially in
built-up areas. Under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990, a statutory nuisance
includes "smoke, fumes or gases emitted from premises so as to be
prejudicial to health or a nuisance".
Is the bonfire a nuisance?
To qualify as a nuisance, a bonfire has
to be a regularly recurring problem and must interfere
substantially with nearby residents' well-being, comfort or
enjoyment of their property. Apart from unpleasantness caused by
smoke, flying ash and the smell, bonfires can be a serious health
hazard by producing toxic fumes if materials such as plastics,
paint, foam or rubber are burned. They can also be a fire
danger to fences and sheds during dry weather.
Dealing with the problem
If you are bothered by persistent
bonfire smoke, try contacting the person responsible and explaining
the problem caused for you. This may be enough to resolve the
matter.
It won't be sufficient if the bonfire
occurs only occasionally, or if you are troubled by a series of
bonfires lit by different neighbours who each only light a fire
infrequently.
There are stricter rules for fires on commercial sites or
as part of a commercial activity. This includes the use of the
Clean air Act 1993.
Instead of a bonfire...
We recommend residents try alternative means of
disposing of garden and kitchen waste, such as recycling the
material in a compost bin. Even cardboard and paper can be
composted, producing a good soil conditioner.
Household waste and bulky items should never be
burned on a bonfire. This type of waste should be taken to
our Recycling
Centre.
If you must have an occasional bonfire, here is some advice
which will cut down the risks of causing a nuisance to your
neighbours:
- Burn dry material only
- Never burn household rubbish, tyres or anything containing
synthetic materials
- Never use oil, methylated spirits or petrol to light a
fire.
- Don't light fires on damp, still days or evenings, as smoke
will not disperse; also avoid days when wind will carry smoke
across roads or onto neighbours' gardens
- Avoid bonfires at weekends or bank holidays when neighbours
wish to enjoy their homes and gardens without smoke nuisance
- Never leave a fire unattended; if you cannot stay, put it out
and ensure there are no smouldering remnants.
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