As bonfire night approaches, Mendip District Council's Environmental Health Team is asking residents to put safety first, look after themselves and avoid being a nuisance neighbour.

Fireworks can be dangerous and bonfires can be irritating to local people if the smoke stops them enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging out washing. They cause pollution and can produce dense smoke, especially when the material being burnt is damp and smoulders. Smoke from garden bonfires may contain toxic chemicals including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.

Local weather conditions will affect the impact the smoke has on your neighbours. Still conditions prevent smoke from dispersing, while windy conditions will blow smoke into neighbouring properties and across roads, causing annoyance and possibly danger.

There are laws around bonfire nuisance. So please be considerate and don't spark a row with residents. 

It's best to go to an organised fireworks event to celebrate bonfire night, but if you're hosting your own at home, please follow these top tips:

• Follow the Fireworks Code www.britishfireworksassociation.co.uk/firework-advice-for-consumers
• Don't locate your bonfire near sheds, trees, fences, any cables, roads or near buildings
• Keep an eye on weather conditions
• Warn your neighbours beforehand
• Burn dry materials only - damp items produce much more smoke
• Never burn rubber, plastic, paint, aerosol cans, batteries or foam
• Before lighting, check your bonfire for pets and wildlife
• Do not use flammable liquids to light your bonfire
• Always supervise bonfires until they have fully gone out
• Have a bucket of water or hose handy

Cllr Heather Shearer, Portfolio Holder for Community Health, said: "While many of us look forward to bonfire night, others may be filled with dread and anxiety from the fallout of events.

"Please consider others, as this time of year may be miserable, frightening and confusing, and spare a thought for animals and pets in our locality too, as they can become disoriented by the loud noises and flashes of light.

"If you are hosting an event, please be responsible to avoid putting pressure on our emergency services - it is an extremely busy time for them."

Cllr Shearer added: "There are laws that protect people from being affected by the smoke caused by bonfires, whatever the time of year. The Council's Environmental Health Team are able to advise about remedies for resolving your complaint and can help you decide the best way. Call them on 0300 303 8588 or email [email protected]."

Remember, remember, for more information, visit: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/7290/Fireworks.

There are laws that protect people from being affected by the smoke caused by bonfires.

Section 79 in Part 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 states that a statutory nuisance includes 'smoke, fumes or gasses emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance'. If necessary, a notice can be served requiring that the smoke nuisance is abated. Failure to comply with such a notice can result in prosecution and a fine on conviction of up to £5000.

Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows you to take private action through the magistrate's court, but you should seek legal advice before doing so.

Under the Highways Act 1980 anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine if it endangers traffic. If this is the case, you should contact the police.