Fylde is not a Smoke Control Area which means there are no specific restrictions on having bonfires. Whilst the council prefer householders not to burn, residents are permitted to have bonfires on their property, provided they are carried out responsibly, do not occur too often and do not cause a nuisance to others. However, smoke from bonfires can still have an impact on neighbours and the wider environment, especially if burning is frequent or inappropriate materials are burnt.
While occasional and well-managed bonfires are generally accepted, regular burning, especially of damp materials or unsuitable waste, can become a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If smoke affects your neighbours’ enjoyment of their property, or has the potential to harm health, the Council may investigate.
What You Can Burn
On a domestic bonfire, you may burn:
- Dry garden waste such as branches, twigs, leaves and hedge trimmings
- Paper and cardboard (in small quantities)
- Untreated, dry wood
You must not burn:
- Household rubbish
- Painted or treated wood
- Plastics, rubber, foam, or synthetic materials
- Materials that produce dark or acrid smoke
Burning inappropriate waste can be dangerous to your health and the environment, all businesses and households have a duty of care over the waste that they generate, and household waste should be taken to a household waste recycling centre (HWRC) or presented regularly for the council to collect, please refer to your collection dates.
Minimising Smoke and Nuisance
To reduce the impact on your neighbours:
- Only burn dry materials — damp waste creates excess smoke
- Burn on still, dry days with good ventilation — avoid very windy days
- Never light a fire close to boundaries, fences, trees or buildings
- Supervise the fire at all times and keep it under control
- Let your neighbours know in advance out of courtesy
Whenever possible, please consider cleaner alternatives such as:
- Home composting of garden waste
- Using Fylde’s garden waste collection service
- Visiting a household waste recycling centre (HWRC)
These options help reduce pollution and avoid animosity and potential conflict with your neighbours.
When Smoke Becomes a Problem
If someone is having frequent bonfires, or if smoke is interfering with your ability to enjoy your home, this may be considered a statutory nuisance.
In these cases, the Council may:
- Send an informal letter to the person responsible, advising them of the complaint.
- Ask the complainant to complete diary sheets to document the issue and/or request that a council officer witness the burning.
- Use the information provided to determine whether a statutory nuisance should be investigated.
- If necessary, serve an abatement notice requiring the person to stop causing the nuisance.
We encourage all residents to act considerately and avoid causing unnecessary smoke in residential areas. To report smoke nuisance, please contact our Environmental Protection team by emailing environmentalprotection@fylde.gov.uk
