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Smoke and bonfires
Find out how to deal with bonfires at home and on allotments if they are causing a nuisance.
Bonfires at home
These are not illegal, but they must not cause a nuisance (like lots of smoke bothering neighbours).
If your neighbour’s bonfire is bothering you, talk to them first - they might not know it’s a problem.
If it keeps happening, you can report it to us. You’ll need to give details like:
- how often it happens
- how long it lasts
- where it is
- how it affects you
When to report or call for help
Worried about safety?
Contact the Fire Service or call 999 in an emergency.
Thick black smoke?
It is generally illegal to emit dark smoke from industrial or trade premises and burn specific materials like:
- rubber
- painted or treated wood
- furniture
- tyres
- plastic.
Smoke on roads?
If it’s making it hard to see, call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Deliberate fires (arson)?
Call the police.
Bonfires on allotments
Only allowed between 1 October and 31 March, 9am and sunset.
Tips:
- burn only dry materials to avoid smoke
- keep fires small and hot
- don’t burn when the wind blows smoke toward homes
- never leave it unattended.
