Bonfire Code

Allotment members must follow the site bonfire code

1. Members should ensure bonfires are not close to structures such as sheds, poly-tunnels, greenhouses, trees, etc., or within three metres (10’) of any structure, hedge or fencing.

2. Before starting the bonfire, members must clear all flammable material away from the area around site of the bonfire, to ensure the fire cannot spread accidently.

3. Do not set fire to a large pile of material. Start your bonfire with a small to medium pile and then add more material when the fire is very hot.

4. Members must take great care when lighting bonfires and must supervise a bonfire at all times until the bonfire dies down or is extinguished.

5. Members must ensure smoke does not cause nuisance to local residents or other plot holders.

6. Bonfires must be extinguished immediately in the event of any legitimate complaint (e.g. smoke becomes a nuisance) from neighbouring plot holders or local residents.

7. Members can burn only woody materials which are dry.

8. Bonfires should only be lit when the wind is blowing (away from neighbouring properties) and is not likely to affect any dwellings. If in doubt do not light a fire.

9. Members must attend to any fire and be very aware of risk to themselves and others.

10. Members must make sure bonfires are burnt out before they leave the site, i.e. are not flaming or liable to reignite. Hot ashes can remain hot and dangerous for long after, and you should dowse them with water or add soil at the end.

11. On weekends between April and September bonfires can only be lit between 4.00pm and dusk, provided conditions are conducive. No bonfires may be lit on public holidays.

12. Members are asked to limit how often they set up bonfires and limit the size of bonfires.

13. Members should use a small incinerator barrel (or equivalent) wherever possible. Members must ensure they…

• Do not set up bonfires on a neighbouring allotment, path or communal space. • Do not set up bonfires for others.
• Do not use accelerants such as petrol or oil to start bonfires.
• Do not have fires within three metres (10’) of any structure, hedge or fence.
• Do not burn treated wood or painted wood on the site.
• Do not burn material such as plastic, netting, tyres, carpet, MDF, laminated wood, and any other materials that would release toxic smoke on the site.
• Do not burn damp vegetation.
• Do not set up bonfires before 4.00pm and after dusk on weekends between April and September, or on public holidays.
• Do not bring materials or garden waste from outside the allotment to burn on site.

COURT PLACE FARM BONFIRE CODE OF PRACTICE

Bonfires cause smoke and can be a nuisance and even a danger. Composting smaller amounts of plant waste and taking larger branches to the back of the Green Waste site (plot 122) is considered more environmentally friendly by many. If members feel they must have a bonfire, they must follow the Code of Practice:

 

1. Limit how often you set up bonfires and limit the size of bonfires.

2. On weekends between April and September bonfires can only be lit between 4.00pm and dusk, provided conditions are conducive. No bonfires may be lit on public holidays.

3. Use a small incinerator barrel (or equivalent) wherever possible.

4. Be very aware of wind direction and strength. Only light a bonfire when the wind is blowing (away from neighbouring properties) and is not likely to affect any dwellings. If the wind is strong, gusty or changeable, do not light a fire. If in doubt do not light a fire.

5. Ensure bonfires are not close to structures such as sheds, poly-tunnels, greenhouses, trees, etc., or within three metres (10’) of any structure, hedge or fencing.

6. Before starting the bonfire, clear all flammable material away from the area around the site of the bonfire, to ensure it cannot spread accidentally. Be very aware of risk to yourselves and others. Bring a bucket of water in case it is needed to quickly extinguish a fire.

7. Do not set fire to a large pile of material. Start your bonfire with a small to medium pile and then add more material when the fire is very hot.

8. Burn only woody materials which are dry.

9. Supervise a bonfire at all times until the bonfire dies down or is extinguished.

10. Ensure smoke is not a nuisance to residents or other plot holders.

11. Bonfires must be extinguished immediately in the event of any legitimate complaint (e.g. smoke becomes a nuisance) from neighbouring plot holders or local residents.

12. Ensure bonfires are burnt out before you leave the site, i.e. are not flaming or liable to reignite. Hot ashes can remain hot and dangerous for long after, and you should dowse them with water or add soil at the end.