Having a bonfire produces smoke especially if the material is damp and smoulders. The smoke will also contain pollutants such as dioxins, carbon monoxide and particles. The bonfire will also add to the already high pollution levels within the Borough.
Bonfire emissions may also have a direct effect for residents’ health, particularly for those suffering from asthma, lung problems or heart conditions.
Smoke, smuts and smell from bonfires are the subject of many complaints to the Council. Smoke prevents neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging out washing. It may also cause a hazard to motorists using nearby roads as a result of decreased visibility.
There are popular misconceptions that there are byelaws to prevent bonfires - there are not - or that bonfires can only be lit after 6pm - this is also untrue. The law does not stop you having a bonfire, but the Council can take action against you under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if you cause a statutory nuisance from smoke or smell. There are more suitable alternatives for the disposal of household and garden waste.
If you must have a bonfire then you should follow these guidelines:
Avoid bonfires at weekends and on public/bank holidays.
Never use petrol to light a fire.
Never leave a lit fire unattended or leave it to smoulder.
Never light a fire on days when pollution levels are high in the area - you can check the levels by telephoning 0800 556677.
Burn only dry material
Never burn items or materials such as plastics, foam, painted wood, rubber or furniture.
Make sure you have a water supply to douse the fire.
Do not have a bonfire during unsuitable weather conditions – when it is damp, on still or windy days, or in the evening.
If the smoke or smell from a bonfire is causing, or likely to cause, a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, then a statutory notice will be served on the person responsible. If the requirements of the notice are ignored, then the person responsible for the bonfire could be prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court and fined up to £5,000.
Alternatives to bonfires
The Council does not recommend that residents light bonfires and suggests the following methods are used for disposal of waste.
For methods of disposing your waste please see Rubbish, waste and recycling in Hounslow
If you are bothered by the smell of smoke from a bonfire, speak to your neighbour and explain the problem. It is possible that your neighbour is unaware that s/he is being inconsiderate. If a neighbourly approach does not have the desired affect, then you may wish to contact the Council and make a complaint. You can lodge your complaint with the Department’s Customer Services Team on 020 8583 5555. The details will then be passed to the Pollution Team for investigation.
Contact us
Pollution Control Team
Street Management & Public Protection Department
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Fax:020 8583 5350
Tel:020 8583 5555
E-mail: pollution@hounslow.gov.uk