Expert warns this bonfire mistake could lead to £50,000 fine

While some people will be heading to public events to enjoy Bonfire Night, many will opt to light their own bonfire at home.

Homeowners are able to host a bonfire in their own garden if they follow government guidelines.

However, an expert is warning people that making this one costly mistake while burning a bonfire could see them given a fine of up to £50,000 or even a prison sentence.

There are certain things you cannot burn on a bonfire. (Image: Getty)

Bonfire mistake could see you handed £50,000 fine

Stan Staykov, the founder of Rubbish Removal UK, has reminded homeowners that they can only burn certain materials for their bonfire.

Stan said: “To avoid a fine if you’re planning a bonfire at home, make sure that you’re only burning materials that are safe to burn.

“Do not use Bonfire Night as a chance to burn your household waste.

“Government guidance exists to help ensure that your fire doesn’t cause a nuisance, cause pollution or harm anyone’s health, including your own.”

If you are planning on having a bonfire in your garden, you should stick to burning dry, untreated and unpainted wood alongside small amounts of paper or cardboard to help start the fire.

You should not be burning general waste and avoid using painted, varnished or treated wood, household rubbish, rubber, tyres, foam materials, and wet or green garden waste that will create heavy smoke.

These items should be taken to your waste recycling centre instead.

While burning your bonfire, you must watch over it to make sure it remains under control.

Homeowners can be fined if smoke from their bonfire ends up endangering local traffic.

Councils are also able to investigate complaints about smoke and issue an abatement notice if the bonfire causes a statutory nuisance.

If you do not comply, it can lead to prosecution and a fine.

Stan added: “Bonfires can be great fun and bring a community or group of people together.

“However, unfortunately, every year you hear about people burning all sorts of rubbish and doing a lot of harm to their neighbours, local wildlife and the environment as a result.

“Some people may not even realise that they are breaking the law, which is why it is so important for those planning a bonfire to be aware of what they can and can’t burn.

“I would advise those hosting a bonfire to use only clean, dry wood and small amounts of cardboard to start the fire.

“Clear the area before you light it and keep it away from anything that could catch fire, like fences and sheds.

“If anything you put on your fire produces dark or chemical smoke, you should cease burning it immediately.”

Will you be burning a bonfire in your garden this Bonfire Night? Let us know in the comments.