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News  »  Inconvenience from bonfires in the warm weather



   Inconvenience from bonfires in the warm weather    21 March, 2016

Especially in the warm weather when people may have windows wide open, or be enjoying their gardens or drying washing outdoors, smoke from bonfires can cause inconvenience. Please consider your neighbours before deciding to have one.

South Cambridgeshire District Council (who have a duty under the Environmental Protection Act to investigate any complaints) offer the following recommendations on their website:

  • 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 inevitably create heavy smoke or toxic fumes.
  • DO NOT light a bonfire when your neighbours have washing drying, or are out enjoying their gardens or have windows wide open.
  • DO NOT light bonfires one hour before dusk, or leave them burning overnight. Choose the time of day and weather conditions that will cause the least inconvenience to neighbours.
  • DO NOT leave your fire to smoulder for long periods.
  • DO advise your nearest neighbours before you light a bonfire so they can be prepared for any minor inconvenience that may arise.
  • DO burn material quickly in small quantities so the minimum 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.

For further information, please click here.

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