How bonfires cause a nuisance
Information on bonfires
Garden bonfires can easily cause a nuisance to neighbours from smoke, smuts and smells.
Bonfires can produce poisonous and irritating gases. The smoke prevents neighbours from putting out washing or opening windows. In addition they can easily get out of control and cause damage to fences, buildings and plants.
In London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham there are no local bylaws to control the lighting of bonfires nor to stipulate the "right time" to burn rubbish.
If a garden bonfire does cause a nuisance to other households, it could constitute a Statutory Nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. An offence under this legislation could lead to a fine of up to £5,000.
There are alternative ways of disposing of garden and other waste that are much less harmful to the environment and will not cause annoyance to neighbours:
• Composting - for garden and raw kitchen waste
• Recycling - for paper, card, some plastic and glass
For further information on bonfires go to:
