Remember, Remember the Fifth of November - and its Impact too
Bonfire Night is a cherished tradition across the UK, bringing families and communities together to enjoy fireworks, warm drinks and the spectacle of a blazing bonfire. While it’s a night of excitement and nostalgia, there’s an overlooked downside to these festivities - the significant risks bonfires pose to both our health and local wildlife.
As communities strive to outdo each other with ever-larger bonfires, the environmental impact is becoming increasingly severe. Research from the University of Leeds shows that air pollution levels spike dramatically on Bonfire Night, with soot concentrations soaring up to 100 times above normal levels. Harmful pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) flood the air, exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma and contributing to long-term health problems like heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The vast amounts of carbon dioxide released by burning wood and other materials also contribute to the UK's overall carbon emissions and the UK’s 5.4 million asthmatics, undermining efforts to combat climate change. While switching to energy-efficient bulbs and other small-scale measures are important, they can seem almost insignificant compared to the pollution generated on this single night.
There are also wildlife impacts. Every year hedgehogs are killed or injured in bonfires, as large piles of timber materials appear an ideal refuge from the autumn chill, along with amphibians and small mammals. Tragically, when these structures are set alight, these creatures have little chance of escape.
Although Bonfire Night is a beloved tradition, it doesn’t have to come with such a heavy environmental and wildlife toll.
Here are a few simple things you can do to reduce its impact:
Build bonfires the same day they will be lit, or build them at a size so that they can be thoroughly hand searched for animals before being lit. If your bonfire is going to be too large for either of these precautionary measures, try and fence off the area as best as possible to stop hedgehogs accessing it
Choose safe materials - avoid burning household rubbish, especially items like furniture that contain chemicals and metals. Stick to clean, untreated wood and avoid using green or damp materials that create thick smoke
Clearly communicate what can and cannot be added to community bonfires. This can help prevent the inappropriate dumping of rubbish and encourage recycling and composting as alternatives
Opt for smaller fires - a smaller bonfire can still provide warmth and atmosphere without posing the same level of risk to health and wildlife. It also allows for a more intimate and enjoyable experience, as people don’t have to stand as far back!
Bonfire Night is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate, but it’s important to remember that bigger isn’t always better!
