How to Have a Safe Bonfire in Your Garden

8 Tips for Having a Bonfire Safely

1. Pick a Good Spot

To have a safe bonfire, pick a spot that’s away from anything that will burn or set alight if the wind catches the flames. Steer clear of fences, decking, sheds, greenery and – of course – your house!

Make sure you look up as well as around you when picking a spot. The last thing you want to do is burn down your washing line or sever a cable.

2. Use Safe Fire-Starters

Skip anything dangerous and unpredictable, like aerosol cans, and stick to safe bonfire starters. Things like firelighters and empty egg cartons are great fire-starters that will grow your bonfire slowly and safely.

3. Burn High-Quality Wood

To keep your guests happy, don’t just chuck any old thing on your garden bonfire! Things like plastic, greenery and rubber can create bad smells and dark smoke.

Stick to burning dry, high-quality firepit logs for an all-round better evening. They’ll last longer and you’ll be able to enjoy seeing the flames, rather than smelling them!

4. Watch Children and Pets

When the fire’s lit, keep an eye on the kids to avoid accidents. Some animals find the sound and smell of a bonfire distressing, so keep them inside or somewhere safe.

Rabbits or guinea pigs that live outside should also be brought indoors to keep them away from the smoke and noise.

5. Supervise!

Treat your bonfire like your child and make sure it’s supervised at all times. A fire left unattended can easily spiral out of control, so keep an eye on it and nominate someone else to watch the flames if you need to head inside.

6. Keep a Hose or Bucket of Water Nearby

Prevention is always key, but if things get out of control with your garden bonfire, you want to be prepared to act immediately.

One of the best ways to have a safe bonfire in your back garden is to keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby. You can use it if something goes wrong or to dampen the fire slightly if the flames get too big.

7. Make Sure It’s Completely Out

Embers in your fire can easily set alight again in the wind – even if you’ve just watched it die out. Before you head inside for the night, sprinkle your firepit with water to make sure it’s completely out.

8. Call for Help if You Need It

Even if you take precautions to keep your bonfire under control, accidents happen and things can go wrong. If your bonfire gets out of hand, call for help if you need it. It’s always better to call sooner rather than trying to tackle an inferno yourself.

Celebrating With a Bonfire?

If you’re celebrating the end of an era in your home with toasted marshmallows, toffee apples and a bonfire, we’d love to talk - and not just because we love sweet treats! At Fortis , we’re experts in selling homes in the Cardiff area.

Give us a call today on 02920561111 or email us at hello@fortis.homes with chat to a member of our friendly team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonfire Safety in the UK

Can I burn garden waste in my garden bonfire?

Yes, you can burn garden waste like dry leaves, twigs, and small branches in a bonfire. However, avoid burning any treated wood, plastic, or other household waste.

Is it legal to have a bonfire in my garden in the UK?

While it's generally legal to have a bonfire on your property, be mindful of smoke nuisance to neighbours. Bonfires should be well-managed and not create excessive smoke. It's also important to check local council regulations for any specific restrictions.

What should I do if my bonfire gets out of control?

Keep a hosepipe or bucket of water nearby to extinguish flames if necessary. If the fire becomes uncontrollable, call the fire brigade immediately.

Can I burn domestic waste like paper and cardboard in my garden bonfire?

No, you should not burn domestic waste like paper or cardboard in a garden bonfire. Burning household waste can release harmful fumes and is considered illegal in many areas.