Have I just got lousy neighbours?

[LetsGoCrazyPurpleBanana]

Been here 3 years. Both neighbours either side have had my phone number since lockdown. Both will either light a bonfire or have a fire pit on fairly regularly. Isn't it common decency to let me know if I have washing out or Windows open before lighting?

Yes it would be nice, have you spoken to them in person and asked them to let you know. Bonfires are awful.

Yes it’s thoughtless

But there is an easy fix to this! It’s not very popular on MN as it involves Communicating With People In Real Life Instead Of Frothing Online but it should work:

Text your neighbour:
”hi neighbour, with this better weather I’m hanging my washing out to dry at the moment. Do you mind letting me know if you intend to light a bbq / bonfire / do anything else stinky so I can bring it in before you start? Thanks, no 52”

Yes it would be nice for them to let you know, especially if it's a regular thing.

I'd personally let it go though. Some people just don't think. How it affects you probably hasn't entered their minds. That doesn't mean they're bad or nasty people.

Our new neighbours are doing the same. Every nice weekend, hot afternoon and my washing out and they feel the need to light a fire. Just why?

Just message and ask them, they have probably thought about it and think it’s weird to message you each time unless you’ve asked!

We have a bloke behind us who spent most of summer 2020 stood around a burn barrel shoving in lumps of wood. No reason for it at all. Slightest hint of sunshine he was off outside, can of beer in hand, poking the barrel and smoking all of us out.
It got the point where half the street couldn't open their windows on a hot day because it was just constant, acrid smoke.

Eventually another neighbour said she was going to the council as she was sick to death of it and last year it actually stopped. We had a blissful summer last year, able to sit out and open windows. Hopefully he wont start again this year.

So no, YANBU, it's antisocial.

I hang out washing really early and bring in early too to avoid these issues.

But why should I?

Just txt them asking them to let you know but tbh they have every right to do what they are doing even if it inconveniences you. They don't sound like they are doing it to be mean.

Yes it's thoughtless
Try doing that weird thing suggested above of speaking to them and asking them just to let you know in advance so you can bring your washing in.

I agree about just asking them to let you know.

I'd tell my neighbours if they had washing out and I was going to have a charcoal BBQ/light the fire pit, so they could choose to bring it in if they wished. I wouldn't tell them just because their windows are open. We don't have bonfires, so that's not relevant to me.

If your neighbours aren't doing this, then just text them to ask them to let you know when they're just about to light something.

Have you ever asked them to let you know when they plan to do this?

Because it is a solution to your problem?

I want to enjoy my garden, that's why I have it. Bbq I can't get worked up about, bonfire at 1500 I would do.

Wouldn't ffs!

…. Because then your washing won’t smell of smoke which is the problem….?

Fire pits are the work of the devil. We have to either struggle to sleep because we've had to shut all the windows or put up with every room stinking of smoke. Such selfish anti social behaviour.
Next door like to light their bbq about 2.00 so I bring my washing in and they're done in an hour by which time I can't be arsed to put it back out. Just have it at tea time.

Becayse it saves you taking in wet washing? Why do you think?

Neighbours who light fires are arseholes. All of them. I have NEVER met a considerate lighter of fires.

Why should they not have a fire ? Why does your washing trump their fire pit?

If you're fussed by it put the washing out early or text them like someone up thread suggested.

Jeez

Don't feed the trolls people

I'm not saying they can't have a firepit etc,just let me know beforehand so I can get the washing in. It's not too much to ask is it? I'd do it if I had noticed a neighbour had some washing out. It's good manners surely?

Do the same? Wait for them to hang out washing and light up your new fire pit

I'm not saying they can't have a firepit etc,just let me know beforehand so I can get the washing in. It's not too much to ask is it? I'd do it if I had noticed a neighbour had some washing out. It's good manners surely?

are you going to just ask them to let you know