Bonfire safety

If you are having a bonfire, whether it’s to get rid of garden waste or part of a celebration, like Halloween, take care. Follow the simple tips below to make sure you, and others, are safe.

Building a bonfire

Fire can spread easily, so where and how you build your bonfire is important. If you have a bonfire, 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
  • only burn dry material not damp, which causes more smoke
  • build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees
  • check there are no cables, like telephone wires, above the bonfire
  • don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going as it may get out of control quickly
  • as a rule of thumb the bonfire should be a minimum of five times its height 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
  • don’t leave the bonfire unattended
  • keep children and pets away from the bonfire
  • don’t throw any fireworks into the fire
  • don't 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.

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