Bonfires

Bonfires in the Village – What You Need to Know

While garden bonfires are not banned in the UK, there are rules in place to stop them becoming a nuisance or a danger.

Burning household waste

You must not burn household rubbish if it causes pollution or risks people’s health – this includes plastics, treated wood, or anything that gives off harmful fumes.
Instead, garden and household waste should be composted, recycled, or disposed of through your council’s waste service. Contact the council for details of garden waste collection and recycling options.

Safety and the law

If smoke from a bonfire drifts across a road and endangers traffic, you could face a fine. Local councils are also required to look into complaints about smoke and fumes. If a bonfire is judged to be a ‘statutory nuisance’, the council can issue an abatement notice. Ignoring such a notice may lead to further fines.

Neighbours

Please be considerate of your neighbours when thinking about lighting a bonfire. Smoke can easily drift and cause upset, especially for those with health conditions, washing on the line, or children playing outside. Think about about the wind direction, time of day, weather, etc. If it’s a nice day, people may have their doors and windows open. They won’t appreciate your stinky smoke wafting through the house!

Thatches

Several of the older properties in our village have thatched roofs. These are particularly vulnerable to stray sparks from bonfires and fireworks. The risk is even greater after long spells of hot, dry weather, when thatch becomes tinder-dry. For this reason alone, extra care is needed. If you are having a bonfire or celebrating with fireworks – think about wind direction and the recent weather conditions. If in doubt, don’t do it.

November 5th

Please be considerate on bonfire night. Fireworks (and the stray sparks they throw off) together with their loud noises can damage property and cause distress to livestock and pets. Horses, in particular, have been known to bolt due to the stress caused by so many fireworks erupting overhead.

• If you want to celebrate with fireworks, please go to an organised display rather than doing it in your garden. These are safer, more controlled, and help reduce risk to property and animals.
• If you must use fireworks privately, think carefully about where you are in relation to thatch, livestock, homes, wind direction, and recent weather (dry spells make things worse).
• Let your neighbours know in advance – people with animals, thatched houses, or sensitive health issues may need to prepare.

This village has already lost one property due to the incosiderate use of fireworks. The rocket hit the thatch and the entire house was gutted. No-one wants to go through that again.

Always consider the potential consequences of your actions and the impact on others

TL;DR

Please keep your bonfires small and controlled. Burn only dry, untreated materials. Take anything else to the tip or get it taken away by the council. If you do intend to have a bonfire, please consider letting your neighbours know in advance.

Do not use fireworks anywhere near thatched properties. What goes up always comes down again.

A little thought and care helps keep everyone happy and our treasured thatched roofs safe for generations to come.

For more information please visit Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service – Making Northamptonshire Safer for all >>