Bonfires

Bonfires can be a fire risk, so we’d always recommend looking for alternative ways to get rid of your waste, but if you do have a bonfire, make sure you follow our safety tips on what you shouldn’t burn on a bonfire and find out what to do if a neighbour is having nuisance bonfires. 

1.  If you decide to have a bonfire, use a metal incinerator bin to contain it, and locate it aways from the house, sheds, fences, trees, and overhead cables  

2. Follow our advice on what you shouldn’t burn below 

3. Tell us you’re having a bonfire by calling on 023 8064 4000. This is in case we receive any 999 calls reporting a fire in the same area, which stops us from sending firefighters out to a bonfire when they are not needed.  

4.  Always stay with your bonfire. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby – in case of emergencies 

5.  Keep children and pets away from the bonfire. 

6.  Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it. Embers can stay hot for a long time so make sure you dampen down with plenty of water before you leave it unattended.  

• Household rubbish for example plastic bottles   
• Fuel for example petrol, diesel or paraffins 
• Tyres  
• Paint  
• Aerosol cans  
• Gas canisters  
• Lighter fluid  
• Fireworks  
• And anything that is wet  

If someone is burning bonfires regularly this may be considered a nuisance. To report a nuisance bonfire in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight you can contact your local council’s environmental health department.  

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

There are laws about burning certain types of waste and to prevent bonfires causing a nuisance. Visit the government website to find out more.  

If you decide to have a bonfire please call us on 023 8064 4000 and select option 2. 

By letting us know we can check in with you if we receive any 999 calls reporting a fire in the area.  

This also stop us from sending firefighters out to a bonfire when they’re not needed.