Report a smoke nuisance
Bonfires
It is not an offence to have a bonfire and there are no time restrictions.
- Try not to have a bonfire. Bonfires make smoke that can bother neighbours and harm air quality.
- You can take rubbish to Pepperhill tip or use other safe disposal options.
- If smoke from a bonfire is a regular problem, report it to the Environmental Protection Service.
- If the fire is out of control or in a dangerous place, call Kent Fire and Rescue on 999.
If one of our officers witnesses the bonfire and considers it bad enough to be a statutory nuisance then an abatement notice may be served. If the order is ignored, they may be prosecuted and fined.
Chimneys or stoves
Much of Gravesend and Northfleet is in a Smoke Control Area. This means there are rules about what you can burn.
You should only burn smokeless fuel or use an appliance approved by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
An approved appliance must be used with the correct fuel. It must be fitted and kept as the maker says. Chimneys should be tall enough, so smoke does not blow into windows.
Defra have produced a guide to open fires and wood-burning stoves.
Read more about the rules and approved appliances from GOV.UK.
Alternatively, read information about smoke control,or you can get advice about smoke control and whether your building is in a smoke control area by emailing ep@gravesham.gov.uk or by phoning 01474 337000
People who let smoke come from a chimney or flue can be fined up to £1,000 for each day the smoke continues.
An abatement notice is a legal order to stop the smoke. If the order is ignored, the person may be prosecuted.
Report a smoke nuisance
Email or phone us if smoke is causing a regular problem, or to make an enquiry.
- Email ep@gravesham.gov.uk
- Phone 01474 337000.
What to tell us (please give as much as you are able)
- Date and time the smoke happened.
- The address where the smoke came from.
- How often it happens (once, every day, every evening).
- A short description of the problem.
- Photos or a short video if you can attach them.