Bonfires, Burners And Complaints: Where Neighbours Are Most Likely To Report Smoke

New research reveals the UK’s domestic smoke complaint hotspots – and the personal stories behind them.

With summer bonfire season in full swing, a new study reveals where in the UK neighbours are most likely to report each other for domestic smoke, including garden bonfires, wood burners, and chimney smoke.

The investigation, carried out by Imaginfires – specialists in smoke-free, bioethanol fireplaces – analysed complaint data from 273 UK councils between 2020 and 2025. It reveals over 70,000 complaints in total, with strong regional trends.

Click here to access the complete dataset.

Please credit https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/ with a clickable link if you use this press release. Thank you.

Top 10 Councils for Smoke Complaints Per 10,000 Residents (2020-2025)

Rank	Council	Total Complaints	Population Estimate	Complaints per 10,000
1	Barnsley Borough Council	1,798	248,000	72.6
2	Wakefield City Metropolitan District Council	2,194	353,000	62.2
3	Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council	1,752	311,000	56.4
4	London Borough of Bexley	1,229	251,000	48.9
5	Birmingham City Council	5,311	1,144,000	46.4
6	London Borough of Hounslow	1,111	287,000	38.7
7	Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council	1,327	345,000	38.5
8	Dorset Council	1,234	380,000	32.5
9	Bradford Metropolitan Council	1,771	546,000	32.4
10	Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council	1,135	400,000	28.4

Year-on-Year Trends: Total Domestic Smoke Complaints

Year	Total Smoke Complaints (Bonfire, Wood Burner, Chimney)
2020	22,978
2021	14,555
2022	10,378
2023	10,188
2024	10,533
2025	1,808*

*2025 data is partial/incomplete

Key Findings:

• Barnsley tops the national rankings with over 70 complaints per 10,000 residents – the highest rate recorded. 
• Wakefield and Doncaster also feature prominently, suggesting heightened regional concern in parts of Yorkshire. 
• Birmingham registered the highest total number of complaints (5,311) but ranks fifth when adjusted for population size. 
• In London, Bexley and Hounslow stand out as the most active reporting boroughs. 
• Dorset emerges as a notable rural hotspot, placing in the top 10 for both total complaints and complaints per capita. 
• Lockdown surge: In 2020, smoke complaints skyrocketed to nearly 23,000, by far the highest on record.
• Bonfires were the main driver: Complaints about garden bonfires dominated every year, spiking during lockdown (21,460 in 2020!) and remaining the single most significant cause of smoke rows.
• Other smoke is less common, but still significant: Chimney complaints stayed high, peaking in 2020 and again in 2023; wood burner complaints have trended upward in recent years, reflecting their growing popularity.

Real Experiences: What People Told Us on Reddit

Alongside the council data, Imaginfires posted in Reddit communities like r/AskUK to ask people about their personal experiences with neighbour smoke. The stories they received reflect the real-life consequences of smoke nuisance: 

Staffordshire – “It’s bloody awful.”

A family reported toxic black smoke from a neighbour burning furniture. Even after offering to buy a safer chiminea, nothing changed. “We can’t open our front windows without being met with gusts of black smoke.”

Swansea–Powys border – “Even with the windows closed, our house stank.”

Years of repeated waste-burning led one household to move. “We couldn’t open windows or hang washing out.”

South Wales village – “Try banning it here and the village will revolt.”

One local defended the tradition of wood burning despite admitting some burn illegal materials. “We close the windows and get on with it.”

Imaginfires Comments:

“As specialists in clean-burning, smoke-free fireplaces, we wanted to gain deeper insight into the scale of domestic smoke issues across the UK,” said a spokesperson for Imaginfires.

This data highlights just how common these issues have become in everyday neighbourhoods. Whether it’s a garden bonfire or a wood burner, it’s clear that smoke can sometimes lead to tensions between neighbours. By raising awareness, we aim to encourage people to explore cleaner and more considerate alternatives. 

Bioethanol fireplaces provide a stylish and practical way to enjoy real flames without producing smoke or ash, and with minimal odour, making them ideal for both indoor spaces and considerate communities.”

Can Neighbours Find Out Who Reported Them?

In most cases, no. Smoke complaints are typically handled confidentially by local councils. However, repeated or serious complaints may lead to investigations, especially in Smoke Control Areas where tighter rules apply.

Imaginfires’ Top Tips for Avoiding Neighbour Fallout Over Smoke:

1. Be proactive with communication.

If you’re lighting a bonfire or using a wood burner, a quick heads-up to your neighbours can go a long way, especially if they have young children, respiratory issues, or have washing out to dry.

2. Keep it legal (and local).

Check your council’s smoke control rules. In many areas, even wood-burning stoves must meet DEFRA-approved standards. Ignorance isn’t a defence if complaints start rolling in.

3. Consider a smoke-free alternative. 

Bioethanol fireplaces are a clean, modern option that offers the illusion of real flames without smoke or ash. They’re ideal for those wanting the ambience without conflict or fines.

4. Know the signs that your fire’s a problem.

If your chimney is producing visible smoke or there’s a strong smell in the garden, it’s likely your neighbours are noticing too.