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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:
GreenWhiteViolets123 · 29/07/2026 23:17

I would. It could easily be disastrous given how dry everything is at the moment.

JohnofWessex · 29/07/2026 23:18

Given the current situation I would be dialling 999 and let the Fire Brigade sort it out

OrangeFlower14 · 29/07/2026 23:45

@JohnofWessex "I suggest that given the last few summers there need to be bonfire nans"

I volunteer as bonfire nan! Can I go in a helicopter?

B9waiting · 29/07/2026 23:51

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 29/07/2026 16:54

Is there a garden hose you can reach it with?
I'd be very tempted just to put it out myself, or at least wet the ground/growth between the fire and the property you're on.
Whilst also phoning the fire brigade to report and get advice.

I’d do this too. The mind truly boggles!

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2026 00:14

OrangeFlower14 · 29/07/2026 16:26

Call the local fire brigade

Don't call 999.

Do you realise you phone 999 for your local fire brigade!

OrangeFlower14 · 30/07/2026 00:15

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2026 00:14

Do you realise you phone 999 for your local fire brigade!

Show quote history

No, you don't (unless it's an emergency)

As I've said, every local fire brigade has a nonemergency number

If you don't believe me, look it up

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2026 00:19

Not a 24/7 non emergency number

OrangeFlower14 · 30/07/2026 00:24

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2026 00:19

Not a 24/7 non emergency number

No, but she posted in the middle of the day so that’s the suggestion I made

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2026 00:32

I can't say for all fire services but the call handler on a daytime switchboard wouldn't have the same training as phoning the control room (999) who will advise if they would send an appliance or not. In this case I believe they would have gone out.

GreenWhiteViolets123 · 30/07/2026 01:34

Sereine · 29/07/2026 16:52

For all we know, they're taking every precaution and not being stupid at all.

Show quote history

If he was taking "every precaution" he wouldnt have lit a fire at all. Not given how dry everywhere is atm. Lighting a bonfire atm (for any reason, regardless) is extremely irresponsible.

Natsku · 30/07/2026 05:51

Glad it got sorted but it happens again definitely call to report it - its how forest fires start. In my country we get forest fire warnings when conditions are too dry and its absolutely prohibited to have any kind of open fire, even a disposable bonfire, and you will face legal consequences.

Sally2791 · 30/07/2026 05:57

Insane to have bonfires at the moment! Definitely report

FireAdvice · 30/07/2026 06:14

Cla7 · 29/07/2026 16:46

Please don’t misuse emergency services for a neighbour dispute, your neighbour having a bonfire which you don’t like isn’t an emergency.

It absolutely is if you think the bonfire is dangerous. I have called 999 before due to my neighbour having a 9ft high bonfire very close to my hedge. They turned up blue lights, siren going and ran out with a hose and put it out. Which they will do if they believe it’s dangerous. If they think it’s safe, no potential to spread they will give advice and leave. But i wouldn’t hesitate to call 999 and let them make that decision.

I can promise people that when the fire spreads (as did eventually happen to my property) it’s devastating to get that phone call with someone screaming telling me my entire garden , outbuildings, office is on fire and the fire brigade aren’t there and that it looks like my house is going to go up.

if in doubt ring 999.

JohnofWessex · 30/07/2026 07:20

I suggest that the arrival of a fire engine, with sirens and lights followed by the blaze being extinguished gets a message over.

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