We encourage you to attend organised events for bonfire celebrations and firework displays. However if you choose to do one yourself at home please do it safety and follow our advice.
Firework safety
Fireworks can be exciting, but it's essential to use them safely, remember:
- buy fireworks with a UKCA mark (or CE mark if purchased before 1 January 2023) from reputable sellers
- keep fireworks in a closed box
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light fireworks at arm's length
- stay a safe distance from them once they're lit
- never go back to a lit firework
- never throw fireworks
- fireworks cannot be set off in public streets or places
- for your pets' wellbeing, keep them indoors during fireworks displays
- always follow the for a safer celebration
Building a bonfire
Fire can easily spread. Where and how you build your bonfire is important. Follow these simple guidelines:
- warn your neighbours beforehand - they are much less likely to complain
- light the bonfire at a time least likely to affect your neighbours - for example, not on a warm day when people will be in their garden or may have washing hung out to dry
- do not use accelerants such as paraffin, particularly petrol, to get the fire going as it may get out of control quickly or cause serious and life changing injury
- only burn dry material, not damp or wet which causes more smoke
- build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees
- check there are no cables, like telephone wires, above the bonfire
- as a rule of thumb, the bonfire should be a minimum of five times its height away from property
Bonfire safety tips
Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you:
- keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies
- do not leave the bonfire unattended
- keep children and pets away from the bonfire
- do not throw any fireworks into the fire
- do not burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury
- once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting
Getting rid of your garden waste without a bonfire
You can get rid of your garden waste without making a bonfire.
Most garden waste, like grass cuttings and leaves, can be recycled by composting or by being taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Making a complaint
It is not illegal to have bonfires on private property, however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 states it must not cause 鈥渦nreasonable interference鈥� with others鈥� enjoyment of their own property.
Frequently bonfires or burning of garden waste can cause disputes with neighbours and other community issues which may be seen as antisocial behaviour.
Therefore, if you do have a bonfire, whether it鈥檚 part of a celebration or the burning of garden waste, do take care and show consideration for your neighbours whom may have respiratory difficulties.
If you wish to make a complaint against a neighbour who is causing a nuisance by burning waste, you can register your complaint with your local district council.