Use this form to report an issue with smoke, for example from a bonfire.
If a bonfire held on commercial or industrial premises gives rise to dark smoke, an offence is committed. We can commence legal action and take to court the occupier of the land and the person who permitted the smoke. To take a prosecution for dark smoke, we will confirm that the smoke met the legal definition of dark smoke. This requires observations of the smoke and burnt material by a trained officer. Dark smoke offences do not apply to domestic premises, except where you burn trade or industrial waste on domestic premises.
If a bonfire is held on any land including commercial, industrial, residential or agricultural and the smoke from the bonfire is causing a nuisance to any other property action can be taken to eliminate the nuisance from the smoke and to prevent its recurrence.
Action you can take
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• If you feel comfortable, contact the person responsible for the smoke directly, either by letter or by knocking on their door, following social distancing guidelines. They may be unaware of the problem and might take action voluntarily to prevent the nuisance.
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• If you are aware that the property where the smoke is coming from is owned by a private landlord, then you should also contact that landlord or letting agent and explain the problem.
Do Not use this form to report:
- • A fire in progress if there is deemed to be immediate danger to life or property, Call Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service on 999 to report the incident.
Before you start
You can help us identify the source and location of the issue by telling us
- • the type of smoke
- • the address where the issue is happening, this is essential for us to investigate your complaint. Without this information your complaint may not be investigated or it may cause significant delay in investigating your complaint.
- • the times and the frequency the issue is happening
- • any video or audio evidence of the nuisance taking place
How we use your data
If you wish to know why we collect your data and how we use it, then please see our privacy notice.