Rules you should know before big bangs and bonfires
WITH the Diwali festival under way and bonfire night tonight, many of us will be enjoying the autumn celebrations.
Events are taking place across Leicestershire - some for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.
Many people will be flocking to events once again - but not everyone will be happy to do so.
Those who are worried about attending social gatherings might be considering holding a private event in their backyard with family and friends.
But even though it would be at your home, there are still laws and regulations that you should be aware of before deciding to let off fireworks or light a bonfire. Here are all the rules you need to know.
You cannot buy “adult” fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.
Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks. They do not include things such as party poppers.
Category 4 fireworks can not be purchased by the general public, and can only be used by professionals.
The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:
Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight; New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.
There are no laws against lighting bonfires in your garden but there are laws about causing a nuisance for your neighbours.
If you are looking to light a bonfire, you will want to consider the following:
What time to light your bonfire: while legally you can do this any time of day or night, it is common courtesy to plan your bonfire in a way that it finishes burning at dusk. Early morning and early evening are the best times for bonfires.
Let your neighbours know - while you can’t coordinate your bonfire around all your neighbours, letting them know you’re planning one will help them plan any washing they might have been hanging out, or how they’ll use their garden that day.
Avoid burning wet or green matter: this will almost certainly cause excess smoke that will annoy your neighbours. Do not burn straw or hay, this is a fire hazard and prohibited by most councils.
Do not burn rubber, oil, or plastic, this violates environmental protection laws. If it burns black, you shouldn’t be burning it.
It is against the law to have smoke drift onto a public highway. You could be fined £5,000 if this happens.
Make sure if you are lighting a bonfire, talk to your neighbours about it and talk to your local fire authority to let them know in case they are accidentally called out.