Sefton Council warns of health risks from unauthorised bonfires

Sefton Council is warning about the potential health hazards of unauthorised bonfires. 

While there are many organised, licensed events across the Borough for people to enjoy, unlicensed bonfires seen in the past have been known to include everything from tyres to toilets and mattresses to sofas. There have also been instances of people setting up bonfires and adding unsafe materials such as household waste, batteries, gas canisters and appliances. 

Among the major risks from this is that some of those items are likely to explode when exposed to intense heat, which could send hot shards into surrounding crowds. 

Also, many of these materials will release toxic smoke when burned. These fumes are a major cause of respiratory issues, not least in the young, old and people with heart conditions, asthma or other health conditions. 

And there is the risk of a fire spreading from a disorganised bonfire full of unknown items, making it clear that these bonfires do much more harm than good. 

It should not be forgotten that putting rubbish onto a public bonfire is fly tipping, which is an offence that can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. 

Cllr Peter Harvey, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste and Street Scene, said: “I often see it described as ‘tradition’ for people to go to their local park and start an unauthorised bonfire, with people throwing on all their rubbish. Frankly, there are some traditions that are out of date and just need to stop. 

“Not only is this fly-tipping extremely selfish, it is also illegal and a danger to public health. I can’t imagine any of these people would like to see other people’s rubbish set on fire in their back yard – we don’t want to see their rubbish set on fire in our public parks, either. 

“We’re at our best when we work together, and we can do that by calling out illegal, self-centred and irresponsible behaviour when you see it.” 

Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re not issuing this warning to stop people having fun; we’re doing so because there is a very real health risk from setting bonfires full of unknown and potentially toxic or explosive items.

“That risk is there for everyone, but especially for children, older people and people with health conditions. By choosing a safer way to celebrate, we put their health first. 

“Our parks are precious green spaces that people can visit to improve their physical and mental health, and we would prefer to see them stay that way." 

Sefton Council and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are urging residents to help reduce deliberate fires involving wheelie bins, rubbish, and fly-tipped materials. These secondary fires can quickly spread, endanger lives and prevent firefighters from responding to life-threatening emergencies.  

Residents can help by:  

• Bringing wheelie bins in promptly after collection  

• Helping neighbours by bringing their bins in too  

• Never giving combustible materials to anyone, especially young people. This includes flammable liquids like petrol, matches and lighters. Always store flammable substances securely, out of reach and away from heat sources.  

• Reporting fly-tipping at www.sefton.gov.uk/fly-tipping  

• Reporting unlit bonfires at https://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/safety-advice. 

Sefton residents can play their part in keeping their community safe during the bonfire period. Storing bins securely will reduce the risk of fires, protect vulnerable residents and support emergency service access.