Other languages

Language

Disclaimer

This website provides a translate function to accommodate our diverse audience. However, translations are automated and may not fully capture the nuances of the original language. For critical information, please refer to the source text.

Close

Bonfires

Advice on how to have a bonfire safely. Learn what you shouldn't burn on a bonfire, when you can have a bonfire and find out what to do if a neighbour is having nuisance bonfires.

A bonfire at night time. The background is entirely black, and the bonfire is burning orange and yellow.

Six steps to having a safe bonfire

  1. If you must have a bonfire, use a metal incinerator to contain it, and locate it well away from anything flammable. This includes trees, long, dry grass, sheds, houses, garages and cars. Make sure it is not underneath any electricity cables.
  2. Follow our advice on what you shouldn’t burn – see ‘what not to burn’ on this webpage.
  3. Tell us when you’re having a bonfire by calling on 0333 399 0014. This is so we can check in with you if we receive any 999 calls reporting a fire in the same area, which stops us from sending firefighters out to bonfires when they’re not needed.
  4. Stay with your bonfire at all times. Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby, and have a way of calling for help in case of emergencies, such as your mobile phone.
  5. Keep pets and children at a safe distance away from the bonfire and never leave them alone with a burning fire.
  6. Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it. When the bonfire is finishing, spray it with water to stop it from restarting. The embers can stay hot for a long time so make sure it’s cool before you leave it unattended.
 

What not to burn

  • fuel (for example, petrol, diesel or paraffin)
  • household rubbish (for example, plastics)
  • aerosol cans
  • lighter fluid
  • tyres
  • fireworks
  • gas canisters
  • foam
  • paint
  • anything wet.
Two firefighters extinguishing a shed that had been burned black from an out of control bonfire.

Reporting nuisance bonfires

If someone is burning bonfires regularly this may be considered a nuisance. Check your local council website for their information on how to report nuisance bonfires.

Do not call the fire service to report someone having a bonfire unless it is an emergency.

There are also rules about garden bonfires on the government website.

Tell us about your bonfire

You can let our Control Room know if you're having a bonfire. This is so we can check in with you if we receive any 999 calls reporting a fire in the same area.

This also stops us from sending firefighters out to bonfires when they’re not needed.

Phone: 0333 399 0014

Incident gallery

These are photos from incidents we've attended where bonfires have spread out of control. 

A firefighter extinguishing black, burned grass where an out of control bonfire had spread.
1 of 4
A close-up of foam spraying out and extinguishing the fire, covering the impacted hedge and trees white.
2 of 4
A firefighter extinguishing where the fire had spread to a hedge with foam, turning the brown, burned ground and nearby tree white.
3 of 4
A photo of an out of control bonfire spreading across a hedgerow in field, with lots of black smoke floating up into the sky.
4 of 4