Keep the bonfire small, and add small amounts of dry, woody material at a time. Don’t use petrol or other accelerants to ‘speed up’ the burning.
Only burn dry and woody organic waste – no plastic, painted wood or anything else that causes toxic fumes, and no fresh cuttings or wet material that will release clouds of choking smoke.
Check that animals have not taken shelter under your bonfire before lighting it.
Remember that the allotment site is completely surrounded by neighbourhood housing, and please also consider your fellow plot holders – we get complaints about the fires every year.
Build your fire in an open area away from sheds, greenhouses and other flammable items.
Have a water supply ready to dampen the fire down or put it out if you need to, and make sure that the fire is completely out before you leave the allotment site.
Don’t leave children or pets unattended or near a lit fire.
Don’t leave a bonfire unattended.
ALWAYS stand at a safe distance from the bonfire once it is lit.