Bonfires
Published: 10 September 2025
It is not illegal to have a bonfire , 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.
Advice about having a bonfire along with alternative solutions so as not to cause problems. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the
law around having garden bonfires. If you need to report a nuisance bonfire
you can do so online. 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.
Fires are quick to spread, and a tiny spark can cause a massive fire if you do not handle a bonfire cautiously. A bonfire may be a way to dispose of garden waste, but it is essential to be mindful of its effect on your neighbours and the community. To stop your bonfire from being harmful, follow the tips given below:
• Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, cables, fences, trees and hedges.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire
• Altogether avoid burning plastics, polythene, paints, rubber, petrol or oil, aerosols etc. These materials may cause severe consequences as they may release poisonous gases and cause big explosions that may lead to injuries.
• Do not burn something wet or damp, or something that can be a commercial waste as doing so may increase the amount of smoke and fumes.
• Burn garden waste that is dry like bark, dead flowers, grass and hedge cuttings, leaves, plants, small branches, twigs and weeds. Avoid burning soil.
• Avoid burning domestic waste that should go into your general waste or recycling containers, such as food and plastic packaging.
• Leave notice for the neighbours so they are warned ahead of time about the bonfire. The neighbours are unlikely to complain if they know about any kind
of smoke or flames that is pre-planned and harmless.
• Ensure the fire you build is away from any kind of trees, fences, hedges, overhead cables and buildings, or anything at risk of catching fire.
• Ensure that you have a water sprinkler or water pipe around, which will help you control the fire if things get serious. You can also keep a fire
extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
If you are having problems with bonfires, you can find out how to report them to Buckinghamshire Council here.