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Original poster

To report neighbour for having a large open bonfire

64 replies

Squirrelsnut · 29/07/2026 16:08

I'm staying with family in a very rural area. It's extremely dry and warm, surrounded by tinder-dry fields and woods. The neighbour has lit a big bonfire in a smallish orchard area, quite close to our house! The fire is near the hedge and seems quite large.
Should I report it to the non-emergency number, or is that busybodiness?

OP posts:
vintedannoyed · 29/07/2026 16:23

Go and knock on their door. This is in no way 999 worthy.

OneNaiceSnail · 29/07/2026 16:22

What is with the never ending reporting nowadays? I certainly don’t be phoning 999??! Do people keno what 999 is for?

IronEverything · 29/07/2026 16:20

Don't bother speaking to them and don't worry about upsetting them. Have you not seen the fires in the news?

category12 · 29/07/2026 16:19

I'd speak to them first.

If they're bolshy about it, then report.

Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 29/07/2026 16:18

..but she's worried about antagonising the neighbour.

OP posts:
Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 29/07/2026 16:18

It's MIL's house, she's 86 and worried.

OP posts:
Happymchappyface · 29/07/2026 16:17

Yes.

  1. this is how wild fires start

  2. we had a neighbour regularly have bonfires, one time he didn’t put it out properly. Woke up to an inferno in our garden

hydriotaphia · 29/07/2026 16:17

Yes I also would call 999 for the fire service given the conditions.

Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 29/07/2026 16:17

Aren't they?! The mind boggles.

OP posts:
IronEverything · 29/07/2026 16:16

I'd call 999 for this. They can decide whether it's an emergency or not but I wouldn't wait until it's too late. What absolute fools they are.

helpfulperson · 29/07/2026 16:14

It probably isn't illegal. Your best bet is the fire service not police. They can attend and decide if it is a risk.

category12 · 29/07/2026 16:13

Or just go round and say "I'm a bit worried about the size of your bonfire, Bob".

LlynTegid · 29/07/2026 16:13

Given the drought I would.

bilbodog · 29/07/2026 16:12

I would.