Bonfire Night: Open-Space Bonfires Illegal in Cheshire West

Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces again to stop unofficial bonfires going up on open land across the borough in the run-up to 5 November.

The council says it is unsafe and illegal to build and light a bonfire in an open space. Its definition of an unauthorised bonfire is simple: one that is not an official organised event and is not on your own property.

What gets found in them

Councillor Stuart Bingham, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said the StreetCare team pulls the same dangerous things out of piles every year:

“We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night, but it’s important to remember the dangers associated with unauthorised bonfires. Each year, our StreetCare team removes potentially hazardous items such as gas canisters, microwaves, sofas and mattresses, all of which can become extremely dangerous when set alight.

“Bonfires can also threaten nearby homes if they are not managed safely. By taking a responsible approach and working together as a community, we can help make Bonfire Night a safe and positive occasion for everyone.”

Fire service: go to an organised display

Phil Marke, Winsford Fire Station Manager, said the service’s advice is to go to an organised event where safety measures are already in place:

“We want our communities to enjoy the bonfire season safely, which is why we encourage people to attend organised firework displays and bonfire events, where appropriate safety measures are in place. A list of organised displays can be found on our website.

“We understand some people may want to mark Bonfire Night at home, but our priority is to minimise the risk of injury, fire and damage to property. We will be working closely with our partner agencies to address nuisance bonfires and help keep our communities safe, so everyone can enjoy the celebrations responsibly.”

Superintendent Amber Hodson, Cheshire Constabulary’s Commander for the West, said: “By working closely with partners such as the Council and Fire and Rescue Service we can ensure a long-standing tradition continues to be celebrated without any issues.”

What it means for you

• Spotted a pile building up on a green or verge? Report it to StreetCare as fly-tipping using the council’s online form. The earlier it is reported, the more likely it is cleared before anyone lights it. Our fly-tipping guide has what to include in a report.
• Clearing out a garage or garden? Do not hand old furniture or mattresses to anyone collecting “for the bonfire”: anything that ends up on open land is fly-tipped waste.
• Want a bonfire? The council points people to the official events listed on Visit Chester and Cheshire’s bonfires and fireworks page. Near Chester, the Chester Racecourse fireworks were on Saturday 31 October, and Northwich Firefest is on Saturday 7 November.