Some residents have complained to the Parish Council about bonfires and nuisance smoke. The District Council is urging people not to light bonfires at this time to protect the respiratory health of the vulnerable and to avoid unnecessary burden on the NHS. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and smoke inhalation can impair people’s breathing. In addition to this, with larger numbers of people now working from home and also looking after children, the smoke from such bonfires can cause unnecessary nuisance to your neighbours.
If you feel that having a bonfire is the only option, it is important that you follow this advice:
- out of courtesy, inform your neighbours you are proposing to have a bonfire
- only burn dry ‘clean’ wood/garden waste
- do not burn household rubbish, such as plastic, foam, paint or rubber.
- do not light bonfires when the material is damp because this will generate more smoke
- do not use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire
- do not light bonfires when the wind is likely to blow smoke into neighbours’ homes or gardens
- do not leave bonfires unattended, even if it is just smouldering.
To complain about a bonfire contact
www.southoxon.gov.uk/ Tel: 01235 422410
