Fire pit rules and regulations in the UK
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Fire safety is one thing but following the law of the land is another absolute necessity. Fire pit rules and regulations are in place in the UK to keep you and your loved ones safe from harm. Following these rules will not only keep you out of danger but will ensure that you keep your fire pit contained, preventing the risk of fire spreading whether you are lighting it in public or at home.
Fire pit rules and Regulations
At Sloane & Sons, we are premium suppliers of fire bowls, and we’re dedicated to ensuring our customers know how to utilise them safely. We’ve combined our knowledge and years of experience selling (and using) firepits to provide the below information on the fire pit rules and regulations you need to be following if you live in the UK.
Are fire pits banned in the UK?
No, fire pits are not banned in the UK. Burning wood, in a firepit or otherwise, is completely legal under most circumstances.
Is it legal to have fires in your garden?
It is legal to have fires in your garden. There are some restrictions in place for safety purposes and to prevent the fire from annoying neighbours. You may be investigated if you break these rules[i]:
- You cannot burn household waste that will be harmful or cause pollution. This includes plastics and general waste.
- You should be sure not to cause a nuisance to your neighbours with the smoke you produce. If you light fires frequently that bother your neighbours, they can report you to the council, and you may be served with an abatement notice.
- Smoke from your fire should not drift into roads and cause obstructions for traffic. You can be fined if this happens.
You should also avoid burning materials that are highly flammable or produce a lot of smoke, like paper and soft or green wood (see the best types of wood for your fire pit).
Can you light a fire pit in a public place?
This depends on who owns the land. Councils all have different byelaws on whether they will let you light fires on public land like parks, so you should make sure you check these rules before you do anything.
If you’re considering lighting a fire in a field or elsewhere, you should contact whoever owns the land. If you light a fire on someone’s land without permission, you could get into hot water.
How far away should a fire pit be from the house?
This is more of a piece of safety advice than a rule, but you should aim to keep your fire pit at least 10 feet away from your house when it is lit. Tit should also be this far away from anything flammable, such as fences and trees.
What time can I have a fire in my garden?
There are no legal restrictions in place to dictate the times you’re allowed to light a fire pit in your garden. In addition to this, there are no rules on how often you can light your fire pit, but you should be sure it isn’t bothering your neighbours.
Safety measures to consider
Despite the relatively relaxed measures on fire pit rules in the UK, there are lots of safety aspects that should be considered, which will keep yourself, your family, and your surroundings protected. Our top recommendations include:
- Keep an eye on your fire pit at all times – make sure that all embers and flames are safely contained in the pit, and don’t build the fire to be too big.
- Watch the weather – if it’s too windy, refrain from lighting your fire pit. This is especially important if there hasn’t been any rain and your surroundings are dry. If the wind catches embers, it can carry them straight into dry grass or foliage, starting a fast-spreading fire.
- Use the right equipment – using proper tools will prevent fire-causing accidents from happening. You should also ensure your fire pit has a tight-fitted lid that is placed on it whenever the pit isn’t in use.
Read More: Your guide to fire pit safety
Check the rules in your local area
So, now you know the basics, have fun with your fire pit. Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice; you should always check the gov.uk website for up-to-date guidance as well as your local council’s website if you are unsure what you are allowed to do when it comes to fire pit rules and regulations in the UK.
Sources
[i] https://www.gov.uk/garden-bonfires-rules
Anna is the marketing and office manager for Garden Benches – a premium supplier of high-quality wooden benches and other outdoor furniture.
