Bonfires and BBQs

Kettering Allotments Society  Bonfire Policy:

Introduction

Bonfires are discouraged on our allotments (rule 48). Bonfires have a detrimental effect on health and the environment.  It is not possible to have any sort of bonfire without it causing air pollution and the release of chemicals and toxins into the environment. Many of these toxins are carcinogenic – which could lead to cancer. Burning waste that releases noxious smoke is prohibited (rules 53). Tenants should not cause damage to the environment, for example by creating or storing toxic or harmful waste on allotment land. This includes the burning of noxious substances. (rule 33).Fires risk damage to health and property. They can also lead to complaints from other plot holders, nearby houses, education facilities and businesses.

1. Bonfires are banned on Wednesdays and Sundays on all our sites (BBQ’s are still allowed on both days, provided you’re mindful of the smoke).

2. If possible plot holders should try to compost greenery rather than burning it (weeds can be composted). Composting will also save on buying in compost/manure to put on beds, as it’s free. Seek advice from the stewards/committee if you are unsure.

3. Thorny prunings can be used to improve security at our allotments, making a great security barrier near boundary fences etc. Ask your field steward.

4. Items must not be brought onto the allotment from home to burn.

5. Please use communal burning sites, where available, on our sites to take items from only your plot to burn (only dry wood and dried vegetation- no plastic/metal/glass/household items - please take those to the Council’s Household Waste Site, otherwise it’s flytipping).

6. Fires that create a lot of smoke are a nuisance to your neighbours (and more likely to receive complaints). Always have a small fire, you can burn more later on.

7. Only burn dry materials and NEVER EVER burn old tyres, foam, painted or other treated wood such as MDF, chipboard or any kind of plastic.


8. NEVER use petrol to light the fire or encourage it to burn.

If you’re having a bonfire, you must obey the following:

9. Make sure you locate your bonfire as far away from your neighbours as possible, particularly fences, hives and chicken coops.

10. Think about the weather conditions, will the wind blow the smoke directly onto your neighbour's plot or houses or onto the road that may be nearby?


11. NEVER leave your bonfire unattended. You must completely put out the fire before you leave your plot/go home. You risk a visit from the Fire Service and being billed for their call out fee. 

12. Make sure you have a means of extinguishing the fire if it gets out of hand.
 Minimum of 2 buckets of water must be on hand.

13. Control the size of your fire (they can quickly get out of control) by keeping it small. Containers such as metal fire bins are recommended.

14. Make sure you obey any fire bans in place e.g. during a heat wave all fires may be banned, regardless of the day, until further notice from the Committee. Look out for an email (make sure we have your up-to-date email address) or Facebook announcements on our page.

15. Check the pile or metal container for hedgehogs and wildlife before igniting any bonfire.

16. You must put out the fire if instructed to by a field steward, or a member of the committee.