Bonfire safety
There is no such thing as a completely safe bonfire. Bonfires can pose a very real risk to public safety and property.
Safety measures
If you feel that it is absolutely necessary to have a bonfire you should follow the safety guidelines.
Talk to any neighbours before having a bonfire and be careful what materials are used in the bonfire for example:
- damp material can cause excess smoke
- tyres, plastics, paints and materials containing foam can produce large amounts of smoke and toxic fumes
- aerosols, cylinders and canisters may explode causing injury
- don’t throw any fireworks into the fire
- build any bonfire away from property, sheds, fences, trees, communications masts and main roads
- check there are no cables, electricity or telephone wires, above or close to the bonfire
- do not use petrol, paraffin or accelerants to start or encourage the fire as it may cause injury or a loss or control of the fire
- make sure the bonfire is always supervised – do not leave the bonfire unattended at any time
- keep children and pets away from the bonfire
- if a bonfire gets out of control, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service
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.