Bonfires

The Lewes Environment and Health Department responds to complaints about bonfires.
Bonfire smoke can be unpleasant and causes pollution.

Although there are no bye laws covering bonfire within the District their smoke may be classed as a statutory nuisance.

We try to discourage the use of bonfires and recommend the following guidelines -

• Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high. (You can check this by ringing 0800 556677).
• Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it.
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbour's gardens and across roads.
• Only burn dry material.
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or any thing containing plastic, foam of paint.
• Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens.

Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder - douse it with water if necessary.