Bonfire night can be fun, but City of York Council's Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) are warning that bonfire smoke can damage your health, harm the environment and cause a nuisance to others.

The EPU is advising people to be particularly careful with smoke from garden bonfires at any time of year, not just bonfire night, which can have damaging health effects, particularly for asthma sufferers, children and the elderly.

Remember, you don't need to have a bonfire - there are alternatives such as composting and recycling.

However, where it is thought that a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of waste, please follow these guidelines :

Only burn dry material

Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything contain plastic, foam or paint

Never use engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire

Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days. Also if it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours' gardens.

Although there are no byelaws prohibiting the burning of garden waste, the council has a duty to investigate bonfires which are causing a nuisance. In severe cases the council may issue an abatement notice which will require the person causing the nuisance to stop having bonfires. Failure to comply with the requirements of a notice can lead to court action and a fine of up to £5,000.

Anyone wishing to make a complaint about excessive smoke from a garden bonfire or to seek advice should contact the council's environmental protection unit on (01904) 551591 or visit www.york.gov.uk/environment/airquality

Residents are encouraged to attend one of the organised firework displays and bonfires which are taking place around York.

Updated: 11:29 Thursday, October 28, 2004