What to do if you are having a bonfire
If you’re planning a bonfire, make sure to do the following:
- do not burn damp grass clippings or 'green' material as this creates thick smoke
- do not burn any oily rags, rubber, plastics, damp garden waste or other materials which would create heavy smoke or toxic fumes
- do not burn a bonfire when your neighbours have washing drying outside, enjoying their gardens, or have windows wide open
- do not light bonfires 1 hour before sunset or leave them burning overnight. Choose the time of day and weather that will cause the least amount of possible problems for your neighbours
- do not leave your fire to burn slowly with smoke but no flames
- do tell your nearest neighbours before you light a bonfire so they can be prepared
- do burn material quickly in small amounts so the least amount of smoke is created. An incinerator makes this much easier
- do choose your bonfire site carefully, well away from trees, fences and windows. Have a hose-pipe and buckets of water handy just in case
Complaints about bonfires
We investigate complaints that relate to:
- smoke emissions
- bonfires
To make a complaint about smoke or bonfires, fill in the complaint form or call us on 01954 713 000.
When we can take action
We may investigate and act where:
- repeated or persistent bonfires cause ongoing issues for neighbours
- bonfires are carried out at commercial premises and produce dark smoke — this is an offence regardless of impact on neighbours
If a statutory nuisance is confirmed, we may issue formal notices or take legal action. Fines can be up to £20,000 per offence.
What we do not usually act on
- One-off or occasional bonfires - while these can be unpleasant, they do not generally meet the legal threshold for formal enforcement.
- Minor inconvenience that does not significantly impact health or enjoyment of property
We encourage residents to consider the impact of bonfires on their neighbours and to follow our advice for best practices on timing, materials, and weather conditions.
The person making the complaint will be asked to keep a record of incidents to support any investigation.