Smoke

Most smoke related complaints recieved by the Division concern smoke from garden bonfires, domestic chimneys or industrial premises. The Council may be able to serve a notice on the person in control of the fire if the smoke can be shown to be causing a nuisance, and a nuisance will be dependant upon how often, or for how long, the smoke is being emitted. Therefore if smoke is causing a problem to you on a regular basis then contact us and ask for advice.

Remember

• there is no set time i.e. after sunset when bonfires are permitted
• being in a smoke control area does not forbid garden bonfires
• smoke from an industrial source may be an automatic offence if it is dense enough

Smoke Control Areas

The following Parishes are covered by smoke control areas:

Blaby

Braunstone

Enderby

Glenfield

Glen Parva

Kirby Muxloe

Leicester Forest East

Narborough

Whetstone

In these areas smoke must not be emitted from domestic chimneys. To do so is an offence under the the Clean Air Act 1993, with limited exceptions.

Garden Bonfires

If you need to have a bonfire, please take account of the following advice:-

• only burn dry materials
• never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint
• never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light a fire or encourage it
• avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable conditions- smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours gardens and across roads
• avoid burning at weekends and on Bank Holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens
• avoid burning when air pollution is high (you can check this by ringing 0800 556677 or looking at ceefax p410 or teletext p106)

Information leaflets can be provided on garden bonfires.