Garden Waste and Burning 

The safest option is always to avoid burning items in your garden wherever possible. 
Outdoor fires can spread quickly and unpredictably, especially in dry or windy conditions.

Even small fires can:

  • Spread to fences, sheds and neighbouring properties.
  • Get out of control if left unattended.
  • Intensify rapidly if fuels such as petrol or lighter fluids are used.
  • Cause explosions if items like aerosols, batteries or pressurised containers are present.

Fires that are not properly contained, or are positioned too close to buildings, trees or structures can quickly put people and property at risk.

Did you know?
  • Garden fires can spread through fencing and structures in minutes.
  • Smoke from bonfires can drift into homes and roads, creating health and safety risks.
  • Many fires attended by fire and rescue services start as small outdoor fires.
Safer Alternatives
  • Use your local council’s recycling or bulky waste collection services.
  • Take garden waste to a household recycling centre.
  • Dispose of hazardous items, such as aerosols or batteries, through your local authority. Never burn them.
  • Compost suitable garden waste safely.
Important Considerations
  • Household waste should not be burned in gardens.
    Remove combustible items such as mattresses, cardboard and loose waste from your garden promptly.
  • Check your tenancy agreement, as many landlords prohibit bonfires.
  • Check your local council’s guidance on bonfires and nuisance complaints

Choosing not to burn waste is the safest way to protect your home, your neighbours and your community.

Smoke, Nuisance and the Law 

Garden bonfires and burning garden waste can cause nuisance, impact air quality and create fire risks. Before lighting a fire, consider safer alternatives and be mindful of your neighbours and local regulations.

  • Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to create smoke or fumes that significantly impact others.
  • Under the Highways Act 1980, you may be fined if smoke drifts across a road and causes a hazard.
  • Frequent or excessive bonfires may result in enforcement action from your local council.
  • Read the government's guidance on garden bonfires: gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules
Other fire risks to be aware of

Expand the sections below for practical advice on household waste, wheelie bins, barbecues, smoking outdoors, mirrors and reflective objects, and more.

Barbecues (BBQs)
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BBQs are a common cause of garden fires, particularly during warm weather.

  • Never leave a lit BBQ or outdoor cooking unattended.
  • Place BBQs on a flat, stable surface, well away from buildings, fences, shrubs, sheds and waste.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
  • Allow BBQs to cool fully before moving them.  
  • Never use petrol or other accelerants.

Charcoal BBQs

  • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base (about 50mm/ 2 inches).
  • Only use fuels and firelighters designed for BBQs.  
  • Allow ashes to cool completely and dampen them before disposal.
  • Never put hot ashes in a bin.

Gas BBQs

  • Check cylinders and hoses for damage or leaks before use. If you suspect a leak, move the cylinder to a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and contact the supplier.  
  • Turn off the gas at the cylinder before switching off the BBQ controls.
  • Return empty or unwanted LPG cylinders to the supplier.

Stay safe and enjoy your BBQ responsibly.  

You can find our BeMoorAware campaign assets here - https://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/campaign-assets 

Household Waste and Wheelie Bins
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Taking a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of bins or waste being targeted or catching fire:

  • Store bins and waste out of sight and well away from doors, windows and buildings.
  • Where possible, secure bins behind a locked gate.
  • Only put bins out on collection day and bring them back promptly.
  • Don’t allow rubbish, packaging or loose waste to build up around your property.
  • Never place smoking materials, hot ash or embers in bins.
  • Store bulky items securely and arrange prompt disposal through your local council.
  • Store flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin securely in a locked shed or outbuilding.

Protect your property. Don't let you bin or waste become a target.

Smoking Outdoors
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Smoking materials can stay hot after they appear to be out and can easily start outdoor fires.  

  • Never flick cigarette ends into gardens, planters, compost or garden waste.
  • Take extra care around decking, embers can fall between boards and start hidden fires.
  • Use a sturdy ashtray made from non‑combustible material (adding a small amount of water can help).
  • Make sure all smoking materials are fully extinguished before disposal. 
Mirrors and Reflective Objects
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Mirrors and reflective surfaces can concentrate sunlight and generate enough heat to start a fire.

  • Avoid placing mirrors, glass ornaments or reflective objects in direct sunlight.
  • Keep them away from fences, decking, furniture and garden waste.
  • Move or cover items if strong sunlight is directed onto flammable materials. 

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