A bonfire can be a handy way to dispose of garden waste but it is important to be aware of the impact on your neighbours and the environment.
There is no law against having a bonfire, though it is an offence for the smoke, smell and ash to cause a nuisance.
If you must have a bonfire, we recommend you take into account the following:
- Consider other ways of getting rid of it, such as composting the garden waste.
- Position your bonfire as far away from buildings as possible.
- Do not light a fire if the wind will carry the smoke over roads or into your neighbours’ gardens or property.
- Burn only dry wood and plant waste. Do not burn material that will create toxic fumes, for example, plastic, rubber or aerosols.
- Never leave a fire to smoulder, put it out with water or soil.
- Remember that smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days and in the evening.
Report a bonfire
If you are being disturbed by bonfire smoke and ash, try politely discussing the issue with your neighbour. They may not realise they are causing a problem.
If the situation does not improve, you can report a bonfire using Guildford Borough Council’s online form.
In order for the Borough Council to take action, the bonfire must be classed as a statutory nuisance. This means the bonfire you wish to report must be more than an annoyance, and affecting you in an unreasonable and significant way.
Factors considered when assessing statutory nuisance include:
- duration and frequency of the bonfire
- time of day
- amount of smoke coming from the bonfire
- your location.
