Bonfires

Try not to have bonfires if you live in a built-up area. The smoke can bother your neighbours and make people ill.

Bonfire smoke can be dangerous. It can make breathing harder for people with asthma, chest problems or heart issues. Even if the smoke doesn’t bother you, it might hurt someone else.

Before you light a bonfire

Read the London Fire Brigade's bonfire safety guidance before you light a bonfire. It will help you stay safe and avoid accidents.

What you can burn

To ensure your bonfire is safe, only burn approved materials:

  • garden waste such as:
    • leaves 
    • grass clippings 
    • twigs 
    • weeds
  • dry wood

What you shouldn't burn

Never burn:

  • plastics
  • treated wood
  • household rubbish
  • anything that can release harmful smoke or chemicals

Better ways to get rid of waste

Instead of burning, you can:

These options are kinder to the planet and safer for everyone. If you can’t use these options right away, please keep your garden waste until you can get rid of it properly.

Minimising air pollution and nuisance

If you use a BBQ or outdoor burner, try to keep smoke away from other people’s homes. Think about the wind and how much smoke you’re making.

Complaining about bonfire smoke

If a neighbour keeps having smoky bonfires and you’ve already spoken to them with no change, you can make a complaint.

To complain, you must tell us:

  • where the bonfire is (the source address)
  • dates and times it happened
  • how long each bonfire lasted
  • show proof, like videos, of the smoke or how it made your home less pleasant

We will not look into one-off bonfires or complaints without clear evidence. We only target bonfire activities that are a persistent or recurring statutory nuisance.

You might also need to fill in diary sheets to help with your complaint.

Make a bonfire complaint