Large smoke plume from unattended bonfire near Maidstone prompts KFRS warning

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has advised residents and drivers near Ulcombe Hill, Maidstone, to keep windows and doors closed due to a large plume of smoke from an unattended bonfire.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service posted an update at 06:26 on its social media account stating that people living or travelling near Ulcombe Hill in Maidstone were still being advised to keep windows and doors closed because of the smoke. The fire is described as an unattended bonfire.

Ulcombe Hill lies within the rural fringes of Maidstone borough. Maidstone Borough Council’s guidance states that bonfires are not illegal but must not be left unattended and must not produce smoke that causes nuisance to neighbours or drifts across roads. UK government guidance confirms that people can be fined if bonfire smoke drifts across a road and creates a danger to traffic.

Councils have a legal responsibility to investigate smoke complaints that may amount to a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and can issue abatement notices where smoke causes ongoing problems. Residents who believe bonfire smoke is creating a road hazard are advised to contact the police.

Key information

Keep windows and doors closed if you are near Ulcombe Hill, Maidstone, until the smoke clears.
If bonfire smoke is drifting across a road and creating a danger to traffic, contact the police.
Call 999 immediately if a fire appears dangerous or out of control.
Report bonfire smoke that is causing a nuisance to Maidstone Borough Council for investigation under statutory nuisance rules.

Source: @kentfirerescue

Published: 6 August 2026