New pollution laws mean no bonfires on Friday or Saturday

The new rules introduced in 2019 mean that bonfires can only be held two days either side of 5 November.

And with Guy Fawkes night falling on a Tuesday this year, it means events can only be held from Sunday to Thursday.

Environmental Health & Pollution Regulation director Tobin Cook said that anyone holding a bonfire either public or private must apply for permission to be exempt from laws prohibiting the burning of waste.

He added that his office had received some enquiries this year about holding events on the Friday or Saturday night.

‘Everyone we’ve spoken to so far has been very accommodating and understanding, so we haven’t had any issues arise yet,’ he said.

‘We currently have four events registered, and about another four who are making inquiries, and we’re in discussions with them.

‘There’s another number of other people who’ve registered to have fireworks, but not necessarily bonfires as well.’

Public events at St Martin’s AC on Friday 1 November and La Houguette School on Friday 8 November involve fireworks, but no bonfires.

The third public event announced so far is the Footes Lane event on Sunday 3 November, which is within the time allowed for bonfires.

However there are no public events on 5 November announced so far.

Firework displays also have to be registered to inform neighbours and animal owners about potential noise, and there are currently 16 listed, three public and 13 private, across the island.

The control of bonfires aims to restrict environmental pollution.

The 2019 changes to the law strengthened legislation that came into force in 2004 to prevent the burning of household waste. These changes pre-empted charging for household waste collection.

‘If anyone’s got any concerns about either having an event themselves or perhaps what their neighbours are doing, please just contact us,’ said Mr Cook.

‘It’s easier to speak to us in advance, and we’d very much like to assist people in having events responsibly.’

He added that his team had been called out to unregistered bonfires in the past.

‘We’ve also been pre-notified where people have seen large piles of either wood or waste, which people have been building up in advance of bonfire nights.

‘Where we know in advance, we will contact people and advise them, but we have had issues in the past where people have used the opportunity to try to burn things that they shouldn’t.

‘Equally, if someone’s disturbed and contacts us the following day, we can follow it up and look at the site and see what’s being burnt then as well.’

Mr Cook said that generally the air quality on Guernsey was very good.

‘We have some live data from an air quality monitoring station, which is along Bulwer Avenue, and diffusion tubes at a number of locations around the island, taking additional measures,’ he said.

‘Obviously, there’s still always room for improvement, and there are times, especially during peak rush hour periods, where there is a deterioration in air quality. But even with that said, generally we enjoy good air quality locally.’

n Advice about holding or registering a bonfire or firework event is available at gov.gg/fireworks