What happens next
We aim to contact you within 4 working days. During busy periods, such as the peak of the holiday period, it may not be possible to meet these promises. We investigate depending on the type of smoke nuisance you have reported -
House chimney smoke
We visit the house to investigate the appliances and which fuel is being burned. We send the occupier a notification of the offences within 4 working days if they -
- are not using either an exempt appliance or authorised fuel
- have acquired wood for use in a building in a smoke control area
- are emitting dark smoke from their chimney
If the offence continues the occupier may be prosecuted. Fines on conviction are up to £1,000.
If the occupiers are using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel the case will be closed.
Domestic bonfire smoke
We contact the person responsible to tell them of the legal position. We ask them to put the bonfire out if this does not cause a bigger problem due to extinguished embers and steam.
If we assess that smoke from the bonfire is or is likely to cause a statutory nuisance, we serve an abatement notice on the person responsible. This notice states that the person reduces or removes the nuisance and prevents it from happening again.
Failure to follow the notice is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000. There is an extra fine of up to £500 for each day that it continues.
Bonfires are permitted at any time of the day for domestic properties.
If you are concerned about the safety of the fire, telephone the Fire Brigade directly.
Industrial chimney smoke
We visit the premises to investigate appliances and fuels in use. We also give advice on how to comply with the law. If an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993 has been witnessed, we send a letter to the person responsible for the offence. Legal action may follow depending on the circumstances.
Industrial bonfire smoke
We contact the person responsible for the smoke to explain the law. If an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993 has been committed, we send a letter to the person responsible for the smoke. We do this within 4 working days.
We may also record evidence for possible prosecution actions for offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Or we serve an abatement notice to remove the nuisance and prevent it from happening again.