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FIRE CODE OF PRACTICE
Fires
play an important role for an allotment gardener, unfortunately the smoke they
cause features heavily in the complaints received every year by the local
authorities. We are fortunate that
our site is still permitted to allow fires under controlled conditions,
unlike many sites where local restrictions prevent them. Anyone lighting a fire
though can be liable for any damage caused, plus fines of up to £2000 if the
smoke is a nuisance to neighbours (Environmental Protection Act 1990), or hazard
to motorists (Highways (Amendment) act 1986).
Such
civil and criminal proceedings will be taken against the person who lights
the fire, however it is likely that such action would also result in the
entire site being banned from burning in future. We do not want to loose this
amenity as it is an essential way of disposing of the hedge cuttings each plot
generates every year, as well as controlling pests and producing valuable wood
ash fertiliser. In order to prevent
this happening, it is necessary for the site to insist that all members abide by
the following code of practice when lighting fires to prevent complaints:
When:
Fires
are
permitted on your own plot weekdays after 6pm and all day weekends and bank
holidays.
The prevailing wind must be such that any smoke produced does not blow towards
neighbouring properties on Humber road or towards the council’s yard, but
instead in the direction towards the railway line or the waste reduction unit
Where:
On
your own plot, away from public access, neighbouring hedges or growth that could
also be ignited, and 10 metres (30 feet) from other property or structures
What:
Woody material, such as hedge cuttings, brambles, branches and untreated timber,
Seeds or roots of pernicious weeds (Ragwort, Japanese knotweed, Ground elder, Bindweed, Couch grass, Creeping thistle, Brambles, Mares tail etc)
Diseased or infested crops.
What NOT:
GREEN WASTE or anything that can be composted!
Anything that can be burned, but is still green, damp or has soil attached,
Plastic, rubber, carpet, polystyrene, roofing felt or furniture,
Large quantities of painted wood, such as old doors or window frames (high levels of lead or cadmium),
Flammable liquids such as oil, paints, solvents or aerosol cans,
Any other form of hazardous waste,
How:
Make a brazier using an old oil drum that no longer holds water; knock the base out or puncture it as many times
as you can, then stand it securely on bricks so it is off the ground and can’t topple over. Warn children though not to touch the sides, it will get very hot even though it may not appear to be.
Chose an area away from hedges, overhanging trees and structures.
Check the wind direction is away from neighbouring properties or the road, Use smoke from the waste plant’s chimney as a guide or test by throwing a handful of grass in the air,
During dry seasons, clear away any dry vegetation around it that could ignite, damp it down if you are not sure and keep a supply of water to hand just in case.
Make sure the waste you intend to burn isn’t green, damp or contains wet soil, they will not burn quickly and cleanly so if you are not sure leave it longer.
If you have a large amount to burn don’t set fire to it all in one go, once you have lit a fire, DO NOT leave it unattended, so consider making the fire away from the pile and keep feeding it. This gives you greater control in case the smoke changes direction or the fire gets out of hand, you can also be sure it will have died down before you have to leave.
Start it your fire with material that ignites easily; straw, newspaper or cardboard overlaid with dry twigs or pallet wood is ideal. If you have to use an accelerant to help start it, barbecue lighter fluid or a little paraffin only but with care, a “sheen” flame gun is safer, NEVER be tempted to use petrol or volatile solvents or pour any flammable liquid on the fire once it has been alight.
Once the fire has started, gradually add more dry material so that the flames build gradually, make sure it’s well alight and giving off heat before adding any greener material. Besides burning more quickly, a roaring fire produces less smoke whilst any that is created is taken straight up. If the fire smoulder's slowly, producing thick smoke at ground level, dowse it out and leave it until the conditions are more favourable.
Once all the material has been added, rake the embers through with a fork to ensure any unburned material can’t flare up after you have gone, once you are sure the fire is spent and the flames have died down it is safe to leave it to cool off.
Once cooled, the remaining ashes are a valuable source of potash, so save them for later use. Start collecting material for your next
fire.
Remember:
Aim to create as little smoke as possible,
Don’t attempt to burn anything that could pollute the environment… if you wouldn’t eat anything cooked by it’s flames, don’t burn it
Don’t allow your fire to cause damage to property or create a hazard to others,
Report to the committee any gardeners who appear not to be complying with this code of conduct
Source www.lraa.co.uk
Printed copies for reference only. 12/01/2008
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