Whats wrong with a good old-fashioned bonfire?
Bonfires can be very irritating to neighbours – the smoke, smuts and smell they cause are the subject of many complaints to local authorities. Smoke can ruin your neighbours’ enjoyment of their gardens, prevent them from opening their windows or hanging washing out and reduce visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads. There is no doubt that bonfires cause air pollution, burning garden waste will produce smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering rather than dry and blazing. Like tobacco smoke, this will contain the poisonous gas carbon monoxide and other noxious or irritating compounds. This can cause problems to people with Asthma and breathing conditions. Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell but also produces a range of poisonous compounds. Don’t forget that bonfires can be dangerous from a safety point of view – spreading fire to fences or buildings, scorching trees and plants. Exploding cans and bottles can also be a hazard when
