Is there a fine for having a bonfire?

There are no laws against having a bonfire, but there are laws for the nuisance they can cause if prejudicial to health or a nuisance to the neighbourhood. Action can also be taken if a bonfire on trade premises causes dark smoke. This is an offence under section two of the Clean Air Act, with a fine of up to £20,000.

Is it legal to have a bonfire in your backyard UK?

According to government guidance, there are no laws that prohibit you from burning rubbish and lighting bonfires in your garden. However, there are rules in place to prevent bonfires from causing a nuisance to neighbours or a hazard to safety, and there are certain types of waste you can and can’t burn.

What is a nuisance bonfire?

To qualify as a nuisance a bonfire has to be a recurring problem and must interfere substantially with nearby residents’ well-being, comfort or enjoyment of their property Smoke and ash from bonfires can be a serious health hazard, producing toxic fumes and particulates. Plastics, paint, foam, rubber etc.

How far should a bonfire be from a house?

10 feet
How far does a fire pit need to be away from the house? At least 10 feet (or 3 meters) away from any structure is recommended. The distance varies depending on your county or municipality, so be sure to check out the specifics where you live.

What is the law regarding bonfires in gardens?

Remember it is not illegal to have a bonfire and there are no local bye-laws preventing you having one, however you must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. A smoky bonfire or having garden bonfires on a frequent basis may well cause a nuisance and that can be an offence.

Can I legally have a bonfire in my garden?

When can I legally light a bonfire?

Do time your bonfire correctly: While legally you can do this any time of day or night, it is common courtesy to plan your bonfire in a way that it finishes burning at dusk. Early morning and early evening are the best times for bonfires.

When can I light a fire in my garden UK?

It’s not illegal to light bonfires, and there are no official restrictions on when or how often they can be burned. The main concerns with bonfires in general however is safety, environmental damage mainly from excessive smoke, any nuisance caused to neighbours or the public and any danger to wildlife.

Can you call the police for a bonfire?

If you know of anybody letting off fireworks dangerously or damaging your area to build bonfires, call the police on 999. The law prohibits any person under the age of 18 from possessing fireworks in a public place.

How do I complain about a bonfire?

What can you do if a bonfire is causing a nuisance? In the first instance talk to the person who started the fire, explain your concerns and ask them to put it out. If they refuse put it out and the fire continues to cause a nuisance, contact us on 020 8356 4455 or email [email protected].

How many feet away from a house should a fire pit be?

What is an abatement notice in real estate?

When a property owner is found to be in violation of one of the local ordinances or laws, the local agency responsible for enforcement may issue an abatement notice to the owner of the property. An abatement notice will generally be sent certified or registered mail to ensure that the owner received the notice.

What happens if you ignore an abatement notice from the Council?

If you ignore it, things could get unpleasant! An abatement notice is intended to be a loud and clear message from the Council that it thinks there is a compliance issue serious enough for it to ramp things up and take some formal action.

How do I contest an abatement notice?

Do you want to contest an abatement notice? Then you must appeal to magistrates’ court within 21 days of receiving it. Here are some acceptable grounds for appeal: Legal tests have not been met to show that the issue is a statutory nuisance.

What can I do about my neighbours bonfire?

They can issue an ‘abatement notice’ if a neighbour’s bonfire is causing a nuisance. Your neighbour can be fined if they do not follow the rules of the abatement notice.