moke does not cause a nuisance to your neighbour.
The smoke does not cause a danger to road traffic.
If you do, you could be breaking the law. The Council discourages the burning of waste and would encourage people to recycle their waste, including the composting of garden waste.
What Can The Council Do About Bonfires?
Small domestic fires that do not interfere with neighbour's enjoyment of their environment is permissible, so long as it does not produce toxic or dark smoke and persists for an unreasonable time period. Let's not forget 5th November. However, green waste (garden material) should be shredded and composted or taken to the local authority household waste sites for recycling. There should not be any reason for garden bonfires these days.
What precautions should I take to prevent smoke nuisance from my garden bonfire?
The easiest way is not to have a bonfire at all, but to recycle your waste. If you do have a bonfire, here are some simple tips to help prevent problems:
Site the bonfire as far away from housing and roads as possible.
Have the fire when the wind is blowing away from housing and roads.
Make sure that the material is not damp and that no plastic, rubber, paint, or similar man-made products are being burnt.
Inform your neighbours and make sure they do not have washing hanging out to dry, or are trying to enjoy their garden.
Keep a fire extinguisher or water supply handy in case the fire gets out of hand.
Is my home in a Smoke Control Area?
Smoke Control Areas (sometimes called Smokeless Zones) are declared by local authorities in order to control the types of fuel that can be burnt on heating appliances in buildings. The aim is to prevent air pollution that affects the environment and can have a serious impact on health.
There are no Smoke Control Areas within Stafford Borough.