Neighbours that have regular fires

[Slicedpineapple]

AIBU finding this really frustrating? How do you deal with it? We have some people that live near us that have full blown fires every few days in the summer months, meaning we have to close all of our windows. It's particularly hot at the moment so it would be nice to leave the windows open in the evening to cool down. Last night it was 25c inside and I couldn't do anything about it other than not wear much.

They normally start early evening and have finished after a few hours, so don't go on all night. Is every few days excessive or would you say it's fair? I suppose at least it's not during the day.

I have never spoken to these people so it would be difficult to drop in conversation.

Yes I'd agree every few days is excessive! We have a set near us who burn ones every few months and they're really unpleasant. I know the council was called a few times and said that as they were under control and not drifting smoke across a road that they weren't considered a nuisance. The government guidance is pretty non descriptive on what makes it a nuisance, however I'm fairly sure frequent bonfires do constitute a one. That said not entirely sure how you go about resolving this. Perhaps speak to other neighbours and I'll wager they're pissed of too. Then someone most likely needs to enter into a conversation with the fireburners. Good luck!

*pissed off

What are they burning?

We had this, live in small terraces where our rear neighbour's garden backed into ours. At least once a week. Turns out he was a builder and used to burn materials which I believe is prohibited anyway. I reported to the council and basically made a nuisance of myself until they listened. Also started noting times and dates which helped back up my case. It took a while but it did stop.

Good luck, I know how miserable it can be and it affected DS asthma as he slept in the back bedroom and even with the windows shut there was still a smell.

itwouldtakemuchmore no idea, they must have a lot of stuff to be burning constantly! Smells like a 'normal' bonfire (no rubber) so I am guessing wood.

Unless it’s a mansion there’s only so much to burn, it will self limit.

Unless it’s a mansion there’s only so much to burn, it will self limit.

Only if they are burning material they generate themselves. We have also had a similar issue (10 continuous hours of burning one day last week). I think they are also burning business waste because they have huge construction bags of material that they are burning. It's essentially packaging so probably not hazardous in itself but it is terrible for air quality and means neighbours can't put washing out, sit in gardens etc.

I think it is illegal to burn business waste as you are supposed to have a waste disposal plan but that's pretty difficult to enforce for small traders so dumping it or burning it is easier...

Report to the council

Yes, though reporting to the council isn't great for neighbourly relations.

I've mentioned this before, so apologise for repeating myself, but I think all councils should adopt the rule that was a byelaw where I used to live: no fires before sunset or 9pm, whichever is the earlier.

We have a lot of prunings and stuff to burn, and go out late at night and do one incinerator full. It burns really fast, so it's all done in half an hour or so.

Sorry, that should be whichever is the later.