A bonfire is a traditional method of disposing of waste. Its origins lie in medieval term bone-fires, which originates from burning of animal bones. Whilst modern-day components may not be as gruesome, if care is not taken as to what is burnt and when and where the fire is lit, a serious nuisance may be caused to neighbours as well as a risk to health.

Seemingly harmless waste can produce toxic fumes particularly if the bonfire is damp and does not burn at sufficiently high temperatures.

The fumes and gases produced can have damaging health effects, but because exposure to bonfire smoke is short-lived, serious harm is unlikely. Nevertheless, problems may arise for people such as those with breathing related illnesses and children (who are particularly vulnerable to air pollutants).

There are alternatives to burning. Have you looked at the amount of rubbish you create? Can this be avoided? By reducing the amount of rubbish you create it reduces the amount for disposal. But is it rubbish anyway? Much of your waste can be recycled. Paper may be taken to a recycling bank. You may live on an expanding route where door to door paper collections take place or perhaps a local community group in your area collects paper for fundraising.

Most garden and kitchen scraps - even cardboard and paper - can be composted into a useful soil conditioner, saving money on commercial products.

There are legal controls on smoke from a bonfire. A statutory nuisance is generally considered to be an act that is persistent or likely to recur, is a cause of material harm, or interferes substantially with the well-being, comfort or enjoyment of a neighbour. Causing a statutory smoke nuisance will result in the service of a legal notice. Failure to comply with the notice can result in prosecution. Smoke can also obscure on the roads. Under the Highways (Amendment) Act l986 anyone lighting a fire may be guilty of an offence if road user's visibility is seriously affected.

If you MUST have a bonfire, remember to warn your neighbours, and take the following into account:

To limit smoke, burn only dry material Never burn household rubbish or rubber tyres, or use oil to light the fire. Never light a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the early evening. Never burn when the wind will carry the smoke over roads or other people's property. Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens. Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder - douse it with water if necessary

If you require advice or further information, you can contact us:

By Phone: 01376 551414 ext 2223

By Fax: 01376 557767

By Email - envprotection@braintree.gov.uk