A homeowner has said they don’t know what to do after their neighbour’s ‘gardening’ habit made their house smell
The homeowner says the smoke is making her home smell and harming her health (stock image)(Image: Getty)
A homeowner has sought guidance after growing tired of their neighbour’s ‘foul-smelling’ daily activities in their garden. Turning to Reddit, one user alleges their neighbour ignites a bonfire in their garden each day, with the odour drifting into their property and creating an unpleasant smell.
On the well-known subreddit, r/neighborsfromhell, the Reddit user opened by saying: “I’m trying not to be a Karen, but I have asthma and severe migraines.” The expression ‘Karen’ is often used in a cruel way to describe a middle-class woman who appears entitled or excessively demanding.
They went on: “My neighbours have bonfires all the time and leave them smoldering all day then relight them throughout the day. The odour is so terrible, it penetrates my entire house and is making me sick.”
Looking for guidance from other users, the homeowner asked: “Will the fire department think I’m an annoying Karen for calling? I have nowhere else to go to avoid the smell. The odour is even affecting my cat’s asthma.”, reports the Mirror.
They also said: “Should I call the fire department or just go to city council regarding this matter?” They explained the stench and the smoke have now reached a stage where “I can’t sit outside or even inside my own home safely and healthily”. They concluded: “This sucks”.
The homeowner claims the neighbours light the fire daily (stock image)
Numerous people flocked to the comments section to voice their opinions. One person commented: “Omg I feel for you. That sounds incredibly frustrating- Also an asthmatic. A fire of seasoned hardwood burning occasionally is fine for me, I can deal with it camping. But when people burn wet wood, garbage, leaves, ect my asthma flares up.”
Another said: “So sad on so many posts how people think they have to start by justifying they are not a Karen. This is plain common sense that burning bonfires creates air pollution.”
A third wrote: “If they are burning anything other than wood, there are probably ordinances against it. Call the FD and see what they say.” Someone else recommended: “Check your state, county, and city regulations. Look for fire and air quality rules. The laws may contain hints of whether you should contact the fire department, pollution control, zoning, or health department.”
Constant bonfires can cause issues for neighbours and pollute the air (stock image)Can you burn rubbish in your back garden in the UK?
In the UK, burning domestic or garden rubbish is typically not allowed if it creates a pollution risk or endangers public health. Whilst no explicit legislation entirely prohibits garden bonfires, you could face consequences if your bonfire becomes a nuisance to neighbours or causes contamination.
According to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, burning domestic waste is usually banned if it may cause pollution or health damage. If your bonfire produces excessive smoke, soot, or smells that significantly interfere with your neighbours’ enjoyment of their property, it could be deemed a statutory nuisance.
This could result in an abatement notice and a fine. It’s strongly discouraged to burn materials such as plastic, rubber, painted wood, or anything containing chemicals, as this could lead to legal repercussions. This is seen as an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and could result in a fine.
If you choose to have a bonfire, ensure it’s only for dry garden waste (like leaves, twigs, and grass cuttings). Small, controlled fires that burn quickly are less likely to cause disturbance. Avoid having bonfires on damp days, during low wind conditions, or when neighbours might be using their gardens. Never use petrol, oil, or other flammable liquids to start or fuel the fire.
Seek advice from your local council regarding waste disposal and any specific guidelines about bonfires in your area. Composting and recycling are often more effective solutions for garden waste. If your neighbour’s bonfire is causing problems, try to have a friendly chat with them to resolve the issue. If this doesn’t work, contact your local council.
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