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?

That's not a logical argument.
'Everything' doesn't cause pollution to the extent that fires and barbecues do. Fires and barbecues are generally often unnecessary - there are better ways to stay warm, dispose of rubbisg or cook food.

I think this is ok when it is cold and evening. Don't do it on a warm night when people might have windows open. Don't burn anything smelly (tires/ armchairs etc).

Bonfires and barbecues are antisocial because of the pollution/smell, as already stated.

Once in a while then crack on.

Yes you are being very unreasonable.
Can you imagine someone with lung problems or asthma breathing your smoke in? Their windows will be covered in ash too.

I don't drive a car/get a taxi/use a plane in my backgarden, right beside people's windows.
(TBH I actually only use my car when there's no other option and prefer ro walk. I haven't stepped in a taxi for years and don't fly very often.)
All fires release toxic pollution, as do BBQs, even if you're not burning things such as tyres. It really is widely accepted how polluting these things are.

Yes, I'm aware they're accepted to be polluting but in the grand scheme of things, most people aren't worried about a barbecue in July or a bonfire in autumn. They're rare.

So you would be a neighbour who said no when asked if it was okay. Other neighbours would be absolutely fine with it. The polite thing to do is ask, however it isn't a legal obligation to do in many areas.

It might annoy some people, but it's not illegal to have fun, cook food, and burn leaves on your own property.

Would you be the neighbour who wanted to pollute the air?
Of course if someone asked me I'd say that I preferred they didn't, and clearly if they're asking folk they'll take on board replies (it's possible others might prefer they didn't).
Again, you're attacking - making out I'd be 'that' person when you could equally be 'that' person. 🫣

It’s antisocial IMO. We live in suburbia and have a neighbour who always waits until the warmest night of the year when kids are going to bed and want windows open and he starts with a massive bonfire, ashes and smoke blowing across onto our garden. Drives me mad.

It's not attacking you! I'm literally pointing out that you would be someone who said no. Other people would say yes. I don't know why you're taking this so personally.

And yes, I absolutely do "pollute the air". My neighbours join us and ask us to come and help pollute theirs! Barbecues and bonfires are a normal part of life where we live. They're fun, they're social, and they both smell delightful.

Meanwhile I'm pointing out that you would be someone asking to pollute the air and stink out the street. 🫣
Just because one set of neighbors don't mind doesn't mean those who do/would mind are the problem.
Also, why are you mentioning how social folk are - it's possible to be sociable and hate bonfires and BBQs.

We have four neighbours in our "street". None of them mind, and are happy for us to do it. They also do it themselves.

It isn't illegal. Would I still do it if one set of neighbours didn't like it? Yes, I would. It's my property.

And why am I mentioning it being social? Because barbecues are social occasions? As are bonfires in lots of communities? I didn't say you can't be social and hate them.

Fine during winter when people's windows and doors are shut and neighbours don't have washing out, otherwise NO.

Choose a day when there's little wind and don't burn anything green or plastic.

What is it that you want to burn?

They're also antisocial and polluting occasions, as stated several times.

Oh dear me, this is going nowhere. Have a delightful afternoon.

What are you wanting to burn OP? I can remember garden bonfires being a thing in my 1970s childhood. But people don't have bonfires these days for many reasons - antisocial, polluting, but more positivity it's because these days we compost garden waste rather than sending up in smoke. Leave a pile of leaves and sticks and stuff for the bugs in a corner of your garden.

Check your council bylaws.

Bonfires are not permitted where I live.

It wouldn't bother me.I like the smell of bonfires. Plenty of people don't care about air pollution when they light their wood burners.

My previous neighbours did fires. They burnt plastic, didn't give you chance to take your washing in or close your windows. Awful.

Dry wood that won't smoke, neighbours checked with and ok, so windows closed and washing in... Fine.

God,the hysteria.
Its one bonfire not the towering inferno. Smells fabulous...fits in perfectly with the MN autumn ideal of crunchy leaves and hot choc..and gets rid of garden waste.
Regular occurrences where I live and quite social events. Love a good fire.
( I will now be " flamed")

It was quite evident early on that the conversation wasn't going anywhere.
The fact continues to remain regarding pollution.

Woodburners are equally bad.

There's no hysteria though, just pointing out the reality of pollution caused by unnecessary bonfires.
That's not 'flaming' or any other random emotive word. 🫣

Where are we? 1970s!

Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and do not have any neighbours a bonfire is not a good idea. Very antisocial.

I expect some on here who are aghast at someone having a bonfire are quite happy to have a log burner.