Bonfires

Why can bonfires be a nuisance?

What’s wrong with having a bonfire?

Burning waste on a bonfire makes smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering. This smoke contains pollutants such as carbon monoxide, dioxins and fine particles. Burning plastic, rubber or painted material not only creates an unpleasant smell but a range of poisonous compounds.

What is smoke nuisance?

Smoke which amounts to a nuisance can be either continuous, or intermittent, but in either case the effect on your comfort or quality of life must be a material one and your response to the smoke must be wholly reasonable.

Health effects

Smoke from bonfires can cause health problems in people vulnerable to poor air quality. You will suffer no serious harm if you are only briefly exposed to bonfire smoke, but anyone suffering from asthma, bronchitis or heart conditions may be more affected.