to have a bonfire in the garden?

[chickpea1982]

Just that really - is it ok to have a bonfire in my garden? When we were kids we used to have bonfires quite often, but I'm not sure if it's ok any more. I'm thinking that if we did it in the evening, when people will have brought their washing in, it's not really anti-social at all. I could even pop round to the nearest neighbours to warn them/ask if they have a problem with it, if necessary.

Thoughts?

If you lived here no-one would have their washing out as it is raining. although a bonfire wouldn't stay lit anyway.

Late afternoon in case anyone has washing out, and warning the neighbours is fine.

If you live in a street how many doors will you knock on exactly? Bonkers, just don't have one.

“can I spray cancer into my neighbours lungs ?”

Sigh. Sounds like it's generally thought of as anti-social now then. We do have a very large garden, and I wouldn't do it during the day (I'd be really cross if someone got bonfire smoke in my washing!). It would be garden waste only too. Just a bit sad at the thought that my kids might not to experience having a bonfire in the garden like we used to.

There is nothing enjoyable about a neighbour having a bonfire.

We have a fire pit as do our neighbours (detached house but in a city so not far away) and it's still considered polite to warn everyone, check round for laundry hanging etc. I hate it as I have a bad chest so stay inside but the kids and their friends love it - marshmallows and lighting sticks on fire is good fun. would never have anything larger than that though as it's very anti social.

Just do it on bonfire night then.

My landlord once did this (in my garden) rather than go to the effort of disposing of the garden waste they'd created properly. It was mortifying and I had to hide from the neighbours who thought it was me. Neighbours 3 streets away.

Don't do it.

I love bonfires. We have a firepit but also do (slightly) bigger bonfires, too. So do our neighbours. We're on very friendly terms though and do warn each other in case anyone is planning to put washing out.

DH grew up in rural Norway and is very outdoorsy, so this is his favourite time of year. He also helps the neighbours sort theirs.

Maybe just ask? I know bonfires are amongst the most hated things when you ask in some spaces, but there are loads of people who either don't mind or actively enjoy them. I bloody love when I can smell woodsmoke in the autumn and DH practically faints with joy and nostalgia.

To be fair there are more antisocial acts than having a bonfire on 1 day of the year.

A special place in hell for garden bonfire lighters!

When I was younger, there was a man up the road lit one virtually every week… when the weather was nice… you know - when we open our windows for
fresh air put our washing out, sit in the garden…

It was vile.

The council ended up getting involved and it eventually stopped.

Anti-social in the extreme, as it affects so many people.

The weather here today is grotty, wet and miserable, but not cold so my windows and doors are open. I wouldn’t appreciate it, OP.

Dont be that neighbour.

Selfish is the word you’re looking for.

I want to… therefore I will

Take your garden waste to the tip where it will be recycled into bark clippings or compost.

Bonfires are problematic for many reasons.

Bonfires, wood burners, garden fires - selfish acts by selfish people. Take your crap up to the tip, don't burn plastic and junk, we don't want to inhale your fumes.

If you're cold in your garden, go indoors. Or use a blanket.

You shouldn’t be burning garden waste, it’s terrible for the environment. Take it to the tip so it can be composted, chopped and used for mulch. Don’t burn it.

Your kids might not experience the bonfire. They can learn about being considerate neighbours instead.

Anti-social at any time of the day. Where I live, next week is predicted to be in the low 70s. We shall want the windows open. We dry washing outside. We plan to do some work in the garden. We will have the bedroom windows open at night. Having smoke blowing across gardens or into the house is horrible, especially for asthmatics and people with other respiratory problems. Please don't do it - take your rubbish to the tip.

Nope

Love the smell of a Bonfire in a neighbour's garden too and glad they are enjoying their garden

But then I also don't resent them making noise outside and that's a huge no no on MN too

It's not selfish to occasionally enjoy a fire in the garden

Check for washing, don't burn anything green or anything that isn't natural (no one mentioned burning plastic like someone upthread decided!) and do it in the evening

Dry wood shouldn't make that much smoke that will pour into other houses anyway

As long as you aren't in a smoke free zone, no reason why not. Check no ne has washing on the line, and look at wind direction to ensure your fire is safe

Please don’t, totally unnecessary. All you’ll do is bother your neighbours and pollute the air

I don't understand what the point is, why damage peoples lungs and stink the area out when you can just use your bin or the nearest dump?

It really is.

A 34 mile round trip to the only waste site now open to the public but no longer on Sundays, and by appt only ???

Getting a gp appt is easier 😁 so we've reverted to burning dry garden waste.

On windless days like today, no washing out, no parties.