Bonfires can be very irritating to neighbours because of the smoke, smuts and smell produced. Smoke can prevent your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduce visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads.
Bonfires cause air pollution. Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering rather than dry and blazing. Smoke releases irritating compounds which include carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles. The burning of plastic, rubber, oil based or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell but also produces a range of poisonous compounds. These compounds can all have damaging health effects if there is prolonged exposure, however if exposure to the smoke is short-lived, serious harm is unlikely. Even if the immediate health risk is small, your bonfire will be adding to the general background level of air pollution - do you really want to make it worse?
Weather conditions affect air quality. If the air is still, particularly in the late afternoon or evening, smoke will linger. A dry blazing bonfire will lift smoke and fumes upwards. If it is too windy, smoke may blow into neighbouring properties and across roads causing annoyance or danger.
Remember, bonfires are dangerous. Fire can spread to fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating hedgehogs, toads and sleeping pets.
