Having a bonfire in the UK, and hosting a backyard BBQ means taking some precautions to avoid hefty fines. The laws about bonfires and BBQs in the UK can vary depending on the location and circumstances; here are some general guidelines:
Firstly, always check to see if you’re in a smoke controlled area; I’ve gone into more detail in our blog on Smoke Control Areas in the UK. If you’re unsure about the rules and regulations in your area, it’s always best to check with your local council.
Bonfires in the UK:
It is legal to have a bonfire on your property, but you must ensure that the smoke does not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. This means that you should avoid burning anything that produces excessive smoke or an unpleasant smell, and you should not light a bonfire on a windy day.
Burning garden refuse is a no-no, especially in smoke control areas. Often wood that's been sitting outside, and not stored or stacked correctly will still have a higher moisture content as UK weather conditions are generally wetter. So it’s important to store your wood correctly, or buy Ready To Burn wood from your local retailer.
Keeping the fire stoked so it burns hotter, and stacking your wood on the outskirts of the fire to burn off any residual moisture before placing it in the fire will help reduce the smoke.
Why not check out our smokeless fire pit range?
You should also be mindful of the potential fire hazard posed by a bonfire. You should keep it away from any buildings or flammable materials, and you should never leave it unattended.
There may be specific bylaws or regulations in your local area that govern when and where you can have a bonfire, so it's worth checking with your local council.
What you should Do:
- Check if you're in a smoke controlled area
- Don't burn garden refuse
- Burn wood with less than 20% moisture
- Be mindful of smoking out your neighbours
- Be cautious of fire hazards
BBQs in the UK:
It is generally legal to have a BBQ on private property, again, just be mindful of smoking out your neighbours.
If you are using a BBQ in a public place, such as a park or beach, you should check whether there are any specific rules or regulations in place. Some public areas may prohibit BBQs altogether, while others may have designated areas where they are allowed.
You should also be mindful of the potential for smoke and noise to cause a nuisance to others, and take steps to minimize any disturbance in public areas, nobody wants to be the person to ruin other peoples day out!
What you should Do:
- Check if you're in a smoke controlled area
- Burn the correct fuels: wood with less than 20% moisture or charcoal briquets
- Be mindful of smoking out your neighbours
- Be cautious of fire hazards
Overall, it's important to be considerate of your neighbours and the environment when having a bonfire or BBQ in the UK. Using dry, clean wood, such as Ready to Burn firewood, logs, and briquettes, can significantly reduce your smoke output and environmental impact, as well as burn hotter for longer.
If in doubt, it's always a good idea to check with your local council or authorities to ensure that you are complying with any applicable laws or regulations.
