independent Cornish news and comment

Caradon: SMOKE SIGNALS

The natives are restless again. There are smoke signals in them there hills. The signals read:

The sun’s out
It’s hot
Close your windows
Get your washing in
I’m inconsiderate
I’M HAVING A BONFIRE


Unfortunately as the weather improves and the temperature increases, so does the number of bonfires.

This leads to an increase in the number of complaints received by Caradon District Council about bonfire smoke, smuts and smells. However, the number of complaints does not show the whole picture as many people suffer in silence.

Martin Gregory, Caradon District Council’s section head environmental health, said: “Despite previous campaigns asking people to spare a thought for their neighbours before they light up, every summer we receive complaints about people being inconsiderate when lighting bonfires.

“Although there are no specific bye-laws prohibiting bonfires, they cause air pollution and can lead to health problems for those with asthma, bronchitis and heart conditions.

“The smoke also prevents others from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out and can reduce visibility on nearby roads.”

“We’d like to ask people to spare a thought for their neighbours before they light up and consider the green alternatives to burning such as composting, recycling and Caradon’s green waste collection service.”

Details of environmentally friendly alternatives to bonfires are shown on Caradon’s website www.caradon.gov.uk

For those who still want to have a bonfire, Caradon also has a list of top tips for doing so without causing a serious nuisance:

• Only burn dry material – never freshly cut material, which produces more smoke.
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint as these items produce poisonous compounds.
• Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or encourage it.
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours’ gardens and across roads.
• Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when other people want to enjoy their gardens.
• Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – douse it with water if necessary.

For further information about bonfires, contact Caradon’s Environmental Services team on 01579 341000.