Air Quality

Smoke/Bonfires

Smoke arises from industrial and commercial chimneys, domestic chimneys and bonfires. Over the past 30 years there have been continual improvements in air quality which can be directly related to smoke control.

Industrial and commercial boilers and incinerators are subject to strict controls. These relate to the type and nature of fuel being burned, the operation of the boiler or incinerator, the treatment of the waste gases and the construction of the flue. It is now possible to operate these processes without causing any smoke, except at certain times such as start-up.

Similarly, improvements in fuel technology, and the increased use of natural gas instead of solid fuels, have resulted in a marked decrease in smoke from domestic chimneys, particularly in urban areas. Where solid fuel is burned, it is usually smokeless fuel. Almost all of the urban area of Bedford and Kempston has been designated as a Smoke Control Area, where only smokeless fuel can be burned. In rural areas, there are no specific controls but it can be an offence to cause a smoke nuisance. The Pollution Control Officer will investigate complaints of smoke which cross a boundary and cause problems within neighbouring properties.

Smoke from bonfires is also controlled. It is an offence to cause dark smoke from a bonfire, and the Pollution Control Officer will decide whether this is the case. For other situations, the officer can investigate if a nuisance is caused – for example if smoke from a bonfire is interfering with a person’s enjoyment of their property. Before contacting us, it is a good idea to approach the offender yourself, if you can.

If you plan to have a bonfire, follow these guidelines:

(a) Only burn dry material;
(b) never burn household waste, plastics, rubber, foam or paint;
(c) never use oil, petrol or solvents to light or encourage a fire;
(d) avoid fires on damp or still days, or in the evening. Take account of the wind direction. (e) avoid burning on Sundays or Bank Holidays if you can;
(f) never leave a fire unattended.

Before deciding on a bonfire, consider whether the waste can be composted, recycled or disposed of with the household waste.

A significant seasonal problem with smoke used to be the burning of stubble and waste straw after harvest. This has been banned since 1993 and only diseased plants, broken bales, stack remains and certain specified crop residues can be burnt. Guidance on this is obtainable from MAFF. Contact them at: 01223 462727 (Cambridge) Area Office.

SERVICES A-Z

Air Quality
Firework Safety

Odour
Fireworks
Fire Safety
Firework Safety Guidelines
Bonfire Safety
Hazardous Substances