Garden Fires

A fire feature will help those lovely summer and early autumn evenings last a little bit longer. A fire pit creates warmth and light and instantly turns a garden into a gathering place even on the chilly night. You can cook on it, warm your hands over it or just pull up the chairs and relax while enjoying the beautiful flames, crackling wood and the warmth of the garden fire. 

There are no laws against having a garden fire, but there are laws for the nuisance they can cause.

Here are some tips and points to consider if you are planning to have a bonfire in your garden:

• Organise it properly. Make sure that you check with appropriate authorities regarding any restrictions, permissions or guidelines  and inform your neighbours so that they can make necessary preparations (like close the windows, bring in the washing etc).
• Pick a spot (It should be at least 18 metres (60 feet) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds)
• Dig a shallow pit. (The pit should be the size of the fire that you want to have)
• Surround the pit with bricks or stones (This will keep your fire from spreading outside of your pit.)
• Arrange the woods, twigs or wood sticks standing like a pyramid and place the leaves under.
• Only burn dry material, do not burn anything which is wet or damp, it causes more smoke.
• Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids.
• Never put used fireworks, aerosols, foam-filled furniture, batteries, tins of paint or tyres on a bonfire.
• Check that there are no cables (telephone or electricity wires) above the bonfire.
• Before lighting your bonfire check that no animals or small children crawled inside
• Keep children and pets away from fire
• A responsible adult should supervise the bonfire until it has burnt out.  Once the bonfire has died down, pour water on the embers to stop it reigniting.  By the time you leave, it should be cool to the touch

Useful Links:

https://www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules

http://findlaw.co.uk/law/property/neighbour_disputes/8928.html

http://www.cfoa.org.uk/12223

http://www.avonfire.gov.uk

The information and advice in this article is provided in good faith and is designed to give general information and guidance. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. If in doubt we strongly recommend you seek professional assistance.