Smoke and bonfires

Bonfires at council properties

Bonfires can quickly become unpleasant or even dangerous if not managed properly.

Tenancy and smoke control areas

Tenancy

Having a bonfire is not automatically a breach of your tenancy. 

But your tenancy says you must not cause a nuisance, annoyance or disturbance to neighbours. You must also avoid creating fire risks or damaging council property.

This means that if a bonfire causes excessive smoke, smells, nuisance, or damage, it could be treated as a breach of your tenancy conditions.

Smoke control

In Corby, there are 2 smoke control areas and stricter rules apply. Only certain fuels and appliances can be used in these areas, and producing smoke could result in prosecution or a fine.

Guidance and alternatives

Make sure you read our guidance on having a bonfire.

There are safer and more neighbour-friendly ways to deal with waste including:

• signing up to garden waste collections
• taking rubbish or bulky items to a Household Waste Recycling Centre
• arranging a bulky waste collection

Last updated 25 September 2025