People urged not to light bonfires during COVID-19 lock-down

Sat, 18 Apr 2020

The Manx Government is appealing for people to support their neighbours as well as the emergency services by not lighting bonfires during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People are asked to avoid burning domestic and garden waste as it can be dangerous and cause a nuisance to those living nearby.

With restrictions on movement, schools closed and many either unable to work or working from home, it is recognised that households may be creating more domestic and garden waste than usual -  which is leading to a build-up due to the temporary closure of civic amenity sites.

However bonfires can cause a problem for neighbours, who might be self-isolating, and at home more often than usual.

Government officials are urging residents to temporarily store any excess waste until restrictions are lifted and it can be disposed of at their nearest amenity site.

Although household bonfires are not illegal, household waste including DIY waste, plastics and treated wood should not be burnt as they can produce toxic smoke.

If you do have a bonfire, the simple act of informing the Emergency Services Joint Control Room (ESJCR) reduces the risk of crews turning out to false alarms.

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