Fire Guidance – garden fires

Risks of garden fires

Fires post significant risks to communal areas and gardens, encompassing both property damage and threats to human safety.

Be aware of the significant risks that fires pose to communal areas and gardens. Fires in shared spaces can spread threatening the safety of residents and causing property damage.

In addition to property loss, fires in the garden can harm local ecosystems, release toxic smoke and disrupt the surrounding community. Whilst there are no laws prohibiting garden bonfires or when they can be lit, there are laws around the nuisance they can cause and the burning of certain materials. It is an offence to burn household waste that creates dark smoke which includes rubber, painted/treated wood, furniture, tyres and plastic.

Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC) provides a service for collecting garden waste, however there are some important considerations should you still decide to have a bonfire. You should risk assess all aspects of any fire, taking into account location, materials to be disposed of, proximity to buildings, trees, fences etc.

Air Pollution

Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is green or damp. This will emit harmful particles and dioxins. Burning plastic, rubber or painting materials creates fumes that give off a range of poisonous compounds.

Health Effects

Air pollution can have damaging health effects and people with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable – eg asthmatics, people with heart conditions, children and the elderly.

Nuisance Complaints

Smoke and smell from burning materials is the source of many complaints every year. Smoke prevents neighbours from enjoying their garden, opening windows or hanging washing out.

Safety

Fire can spread to fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating wildlife and sleeping pets.

Composting

Rather than burning garden waste or putting food waste in the dustbin, a compost bin will produce useful soil conditioner which in turn can help save money.

Recycling

Household waste should certainly not be burnt; many items can be reused or recycled. Burning old furniture can cause particular hazards as some materials release toxic fumes when burnt. If furniture is in reasonable condition, there are many charitable organisations who will collect these items. Your unwanted goods may also be of value to other people and can be donated to charity shops. WFDC also offer a bulky waste collection for large household times.

Bonfire Guidance

Bonfires can be enjoyable, particularly around Bonfire Night, providing warmth and a focal point for gatherings but they can also come with inherent risks.

·         Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – put it out!

·         Only burn dry material

·         Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint

·         Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days. If it is too windy, smoke blows into gardens and windows and across roads

·         Avoid burning when air pollution levels in your area are high or very high

·         Keep your fire away from trees, fences and buildings

·         Never use oil, petrol to light a fire – you could harm yourself and damage the environment.

Chiminea Guidance

With more people enjoying their outdoor space, chimineas have become more popular over the years. Generally, they can be enjoyed more safely than open fire pits and bonfires, however there is best practice everyone can adhere to in order to avoid fires occurring.

·         Chimineas should be erected as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, however this is usually recommended to be set up on bricks or pavers. This helps provide a stable surface and a non-flammable surface.

·         Never place a chiminea on decking or other flammable surface

·         Combustible fluids or chemicals should never be used

·         Before using a chiminea, think carefully about the position. Best practice guidance is 30 feet from any trees, buildings or flammable material.

·         Ensure that your chiminea is safely out before you go inside or leave your property. In hot dry conditions, fires may appear to be out but may still ignite.