Autumn, according to John Keats, is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. It is also a season of bonfires.

There are no specific laws relating to garden bonfires or times at which they can or cannot be lit – but there are laws for the nuisance they can cause.

If a neighbour is repeatedly causing a problem by burning rubbish or garden waste it may be considered a statutory nuisance and can be investigated by the council, in Stratton’s case, this would be West Dorset District Council.

If the bonfires are only occasional, it is unlikely to be considered a statutory nuisance and consequently, no action taken. To be considered a statutory nuisance, a bonfire would have to be a persistent problem, interfering a great deal with a person’s wellbeing, comfort and the enjoyment of their property.

Smoke from bonfires can cause health problems for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, and people with heart conditions and children, but these factors cannot be considered in the assessment of statutory nuisance.

Following a few simple guidelines may stop your bonfire from being a nuisance:

  • Be neighbour friendly – warn them in advance and avoid burning at weekends or on Bank Holidays when people are likely to want to enjoy being outside.
  • Make sure what you are burning is dry.
  • Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, plastics, foam or paint.
  • Never use old engine oil, methylated spirits or petrol to light the fire or encourage it.
  • Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions, for example when it’s damp.
  • Avoid burning when the wind will carry smoke over roads or into other people’s property.
  • Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder. Douse it with water if necessary.Remember, you could be fined if you light a fire and allow the smoke to drift across the road and become a danger to traffic.

Danger to traffic from smoke

Further information and how to complain can be found at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/bonfires

20th October 2017 – Bonfires
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