Keeping the home fires burning! Grrrrr

[Kitiara]

Does anyone know the laws on people burning rubbish ... are there times when this is not allowed? One of my neigbours has a nasty habit of lighting a fire during the day when everyone's washing is out, one poor old lady who has quite a long garden adjoining said twisted fire starter has to do the 100 yards dash every time the smoke signals start as her washing line is at the bottom of her garden.

Thanks

[Sapphire]

Re: Keeping the home fires burning! Grrrrr

Oh bugger that's not great, have a look here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndC...fire/DG_180786

[Inca]

Re: Keeping the home fires burning! Grrrrr

According to my HA bonfires can be lit at any time but one should try to be considerate.
According to my BM (big mouth) light a fire during the day and I will hose it,you and anyone/thing in the near vicinity,down faster than you can shout 'Oh S**T'

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: Keeping the home fires burning! Grrrrr

If your neighbour has a bonfire and it affects you, speak to them and explain the problem. They may not be aware of the distress they are causing – and may have not thought about other ways to dispose of the waste, like composting.
If speaking to your neighbour fails, contact your local council's environmental health department. In most cases, officers from the council will try to deal with the problem informally.
To be considered a nuisance, bonfires need to be a regular occurrence and seriously interfere with your well-being. If the bonfire is only occasional, eg a couple of times a year, it’s unlikely to be considered a nuisance in law.
If the council considers a bonfire to be a nuisance, it can issue an ‘abatement notice’. This notice may mean your neighbour must stop having bonfires completely. If they do not stick to the notice (‘comply’) they face a fine of up to £5000 and a further £500 for each day they don't comply.

Bonfires and the law

There aren’t any specific laws against having a bonfire, but there are several laws that deal with the nuisance bonfires can cause.

Burning domestic waste

It is an offence to get rid of domestic waste in a way likely to cause pollution or harm to human health, including burning it.
Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials creates poisonous fumes and can have damaging health effects for people who have asthmatic or heart conditions.
This is covered under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.