By Humberside Fire & Rescue speak out on East Marsh waste fires
Humberside Fire & Rescue have spoken of a rise in the number of call outs to waste fires in the East Marsh.
Residents of the area have been affected by the plumes of smoke coming from the bonfires, as mountains of waste are being burned in back gardens and alleyways.
A number of concerns have been raised by local residents, including the health effects of the bonfires on those who have breathing difficulties and are suffering with Coronavirus.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is calling on households to think of their neighbours and avoid burning waste.
Their statement reads: “This has been a problem for 12 months since the first lockdown in March 2020. Unlike a year ago however, NE Lincs household recycling centres are open and residents should dispose of their larger household items responsibly.
“It is not an offence to light a garden bonfire, but regulations only allow garden or ‘green’ waste to be burnt. It is however an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to cause a statutory smoke nuisance and there are clearly significant fire risks.”
Chief Fire Officer Chris Blacksell commented: “Bonfires can quickly burn out of control, especially in high wind, and can set light to sheds, fences, trees or even the home itself. During these unprecedented times, please consider your neighbours and avoid bonfires if at all possible.
“Call outs to bonfires, whether attended or otherwise, are often an unnecessary strain on our service. I am sure the public would want our crews ready and able to respond to a life threatening emergency call rather than be tied up at someone burning household or garden waste.”
The burning of anything other than dry garden waste is prohibited in law. Fines can also be issued to those who light a fire and allow the smoke to drift across the road, becoming a danger to traffic.
A statutory nuisance happens when smoke causes unreasonable interference with a person’s use or enjoyment of their property.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said last year:
“We can take enforcement action against those who light bonfires regularly and cause a nuisance to their neighbours.”
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