Guide and Tips for Bonfires, Fireworks and Outdoor Barbecues

In the event of a drought period (check with the Environment Agency or your local water supplier Kingston Council would urge people to cease having bonfires, fireworks and outdoor barbecues as shrubs and trees can be very dry and are more susceptible to catching alight.  Please refer to the Council’s website Dealing With Bonfires and Other Smoke Nuisances.

It is not an offence to have a bonfire, but there are laws about the effects of smoke, smell and ash from bonfires. Bonfires can be considered to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act when causing a nuisance to neighbouring residents.

Controlled burning

With controlled burns, it is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it.  Always ensure a fire is completely out before you leave it and check the next day to ensure it has not reignited.

It is illegal to burn most types of waste. Burning waste such as treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment.  

Building a bonfire

  • Inform your neighbours and surrounding businesses ahead of time to make them aware and to reduce any nuisance or disturbance. The neighbours are unlikely to complain if they know about any kind of smoke or flames that is preplanned and harmless.
  • Monitor the weather forecast for the direction of the winds and also suitable weather. Smoke stays for a long time in damp and still weather. Avoid lighting fires if the weather is windy and smoke drifts off quickly to the neighbourhood and roads.
  • Build the bonfire away from buildings, sheds, fences, hedges and trees, or anything at risk of catching fire. When you are building it, please check the area to make sure there's no wildlife or pets hiding nearby.
  • Only burn dry material (paper, leaves, clean wood and cardboard).  Damp material causes more smoke.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such aerosols, tyres, canisters, batteries, plastics, polythene, asbestos, plasterboard or anything containing foam or paint.  Many of these produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury.
  • Check there are no cables, like telephone wires or electricity pylons, above the bonfire.
  • Do not use petrol or paraffin on any fire at any stage. 
  • Do not use any kind of oil or spirits to create flames. 
  • Do not burn something wet or damp and also something that can be classed as commercial waste as doing so may increase the amount of smoke and fumes.

Bonfire safety tips

Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you follow these guidelines:

  • Keep a bucket of water or a connected garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies.  You can also keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Don’t leave the bonfire unattended.  An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out.
  • Keep children, domestic animals and pets away from the bonfire.
  • Don’t throw any fireworks or any type of explosive in the fire as it will cause harmful effects to everyone and the environment.
  • Ensure that you are burning material quickly and in small amounts to create a more minuscule amount of smoke.
  • Fully extinguish all fires before leaving the site to prevent re-ignition.  Damp it down with plenty of water.

Bonfire guidance

Last Modified: 03/11/2023 17:56:19