Bonfires

Find alternative ways for bonfire waste removal if you can. Some areas are smoke-free zones.

Last updated: 28th October, 2025

A bonfire can be a traditional part of seasonal celebrations or a way to dispose of garden waste safely. When managed properly, it can be safe and enjoyable. However, if built incorrectly or left unattended, it can cause serious injury, property damage or distress to others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service encourages everyone to take care when lighting any bonfire, whether it is for Bonfire Night or for clearing waste at home.

Make Your Home Safer

Whether you are lighting a bonfire for a celebration or burning garden waste, always take the time to plan, stay alert and think about your surroundings. You can also make your home safer by completing our free Online Home Fire Safety Check. This quick tool provides tailored advice to help protect you, your family and your home from fire risks all year round.

What TO Do

Consider attending an organised event. The safest way to enjoy a bonfire is at a licensed public display where professionals have planned and equipped the site for safety.

Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, fences, sheds, trees, hedges and overhead cables.

Use only clean, dry and untreated wood or garden waste. Avoid burning materials that cause heavy smoke or release toxic fumes.

Choose a calm day to light your bonfire. Windy conditions can cause fires to spread quickly and unpredictably.

We encourage you to let your neighbours know in advance so they can keep pets safe and bring in washing or outdoor furniture if needed.

Keep a bucket of water, hose or other means of extinguishing the fire nearby throughout, and until the fire is fully out.

Stay with the bonfire until it is completely extinguished and return later to check for hot embers or reignition.

Alternatives to consider include composting or using your local council’s garden waste collection service instead.

What NOT To Do

Do not build a bonfire days in advance or leave it unattended, as it could attract antisocial behaviour or ignite unexpectedly.

Do not burn materials such as plastics, tyres, foam furniture, paint tins, aerosols or batteries. These release toxic fumes or can explode.

Do not use petrol, paraffin, diesel or other accelerants to light or revive the fire. These can cause uncontrollable flames and severe burns.

Do not allow children or pets near the fire. Always supervise closely and maintain a safe distance.

Do not assume the fire is safe once the flames have died down. Smouldering embers can reignite and spread.

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Bonfires

Make Your Home Safer

What TO Do

What NOT To Do

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