Bonfires

Nuisance

The smoke and smell from a bonfire can upset neighbours, ruin enjoyment of the garden, prevent people opening their windows or hanging out their washing.

Health effects

Even apparently harmless garden waste can emit poisonous substances when burned. For example carbon monoxide, tars and other toxic irritants can be produced. These are damaging to both the local environment and to human health. Asthmatics, people with heart or lung complaints, the very young and the elderly are particularly at risk from this kind of pollution.

Air quality

Plymouth City Council is working hard to maintain and improve air quality throughout the city. Good air quality is essential for this area for health, environmental and economic reasons. If you want to know more about the Plymouth City Council Air Quality Review and Assessment contact: Environmental Regulation Services, Floor 6, Civic Centre, Armada Way, Plymouth, PL1 2EW.

Road safety

Smoke from a bonfire can cause a danger if it reduces visibility on nearby roads.

Wildlife

Hibernating mammals and reptiles often use garden waste piles as a refuge. Many are killed in garden bonfires.

What is the legal position on bonfires in Plymouth?

There are no specific laws against having bonfires in the city.

However if a statutory nuisance is being caused by bonfires, then legal action to prevent such a nuisance can be taken under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. For bonfires to be classed as nuisances they would have to be a regular problem and to be interfering substantially with someones well being, comfort or enjoyment of their property. Probably several bonfires would have to arise from the same property. (It is difficult to take nuisance action in situations where people are bothered by a series of bonfires from different properties but in which any one property only has occasional bonfires).

If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of garden rubbish, follow these guidelines and the chances are you won't annoy your neighbours or cause a serious nuisance:

• Only burn dry material
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint
• Never use old engine oil, methylated spirits or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening, if it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours gardens and across roads
• Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens
• Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high, this information is included in weather forecasts, or you can check by ringing 0800 556677
• Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder - douse it with water if necessary

Under Section 2 of the Clean Air Act 1993 it is an offence to cause or permit the emission of dark smoke from industrial or trade premises. If you would like further information or advice or would like to make a formal complaint please contact the Environmental Protection Team.

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