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Health Inspector for the district concerned. There were no cases where repetition of
nuisances arose which called for statutory action. The information given in the leaflet
is as follows:—
CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
Smoke from Bonfires
1. Smoke from bonfires causes severe distress to sufferers from respiratory and
certain other diseases, and may give rise to serious nuisance to those who wish to
rest or to dry laundry in their gardens. It also tends to nullify the beneficial effects
obtained by the reduction in domestic smoke resulting from the operation of Smoke
Control Orders.
2. Bonfires are not specifically prohibited by the Clean Air Act, even in Smoke
Control Areas, but Section 16 of the Act provides that such smoke shall, if it is a
nuisance to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, be deemed to be a statutory
nuisance for the purpose of Part III of the Public Health Act, 1936. Offenders may be
liable to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds.
3. It is always advisable to come to an understanding with neighbours before bonfires
are started, so that they are not annoyed unnecessarily on account of the smoke
produced.
4. Occupiers of premises, both in Smoke Control Areas and elsewhere, are urged to
observe the following simple conditions, before lighting fires in the open:—
(a) Never light a bonfire unless you are satisfied that weather conditions and wind
direction are such that smoke will be carried away from your neighbours'
windows and gardens. Ensure that there is no laundry drying in any adjoining
gardens.
(b) Only use material which is dry enough to enable it to be burned quickly and
with a minimum of smoke.
(c) Never leave a fire to smoulder for long periods.
(d) Do not burn grass cuttings and other soft vegetable waste which is difficult to
dry. This should be buried or composted.
(e) Exclude all oily rags, rubber and other materials likely to produce heavy or
pungent smoke.
(f) Choose the site for your bonfire carefully having due regard for those living
nearby.
5. Generally speaking, bonfires which smoulder away and smoke for long periods,
especially when wind and weather conditions are unfavourable, are those most likely
to give rise to complaint, and are those which might be dealt with as nuisances in
accordance with Section 16.of the Clean Air Act, 1956.
6. It will be seen that if the above-mentioned simple rules are followed in all cases
no annoyance will be caused to neighbouring properties and there will be no need
for any formal action to be taken by the Council to deal with nuisances.
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