Indeg
Jones - 2-Nov-2006 - Environment Agency Wales
is keen for everyone to enjoy their bonfire night
celebrations and is offering advice on how this
can be done with as little impact as possible
on the environment and people’s health.
Chris Mills, Director Wales,
says: "We want people to enjoy bonfire night
and at the same time make sure all bonfires have
as little impact as possible on air quality and
our environment. Anyone organising a bonfire party
needs to make sure the material they use is safe
and will not release toxic fumes when burned.
Here are the Agency’s top tips
to ensure an enjoyable, healthier and environmentally
friendly Guy Fawkes Night.
Only burn dry garden waste like
untreated wood and branches. Small amounts of
leaves, card and paper can be used as kindling
Do NOT burn plastics, oils, household rubbish,
aerosols, rubber tyres, cannisters or anything
containing foam or paint as they may produce toxic
fumes and some containers may explode causing
injury Never use old engine oil, methylated spirit
or petrol to light the fire remember burning of
construction and business waste on your bonfire
is illegal and you could face prosecution if you're
caught doing so build your bonfire as close as
you can to 5 November or the day of your event
to guard against fly-tippers dumping on the fire
site and to reduce the risk that wildlife might
get inside.
be considerate - think about
where you have your bonfire and how big it is
- avoid producing excessive amounts of smoke and
make sure it doesn't cause impact on your neighbours
Organised events are safer and the total impact
on air quality and the environment will be less
than lots of small bonfire parties.
If you're unsure about whether
you can put something on your bonfire, give the
Environment Agency a call on 08708 506 506 for
a full list of what you can and cannot put on
the bonfire
People can also help their environment
by letting us know of any bonfires being built
that contain anything other than vegetation and
clean wood. They can call the Agency on the 24
hour freephone number 0800 80 70 60.
This hotline operates 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year, calls are free and information
will be treated in the strictest confidence. People
who deposit waste at bonfire sites are of particular
interest to the Agency.
