Bonfires

[Hind Honey]

How close to your hive would you be able to light a bonfire do you think?

 

[Hivemaker.]

Depends how big,is it just to burn up a small amount of rubbish,or is it going to be twenty ft high and 30 ft diameter.

 

[Heather]

Always check wind direction. Plenty of calm evenings - or is this bonfire night itself. I wouldnt do within 15' anyway

 

[oliver90owner]

Daytime or at night? The latter should present no difficulty. You can easily move the hive temporarily, or screen it. Not exactly a beekeeping question really. How close would you stand if the bonfire is a raging furnace; would you stand upwind, or choke in the smoke and/or fumes downwind? There could be a brick wall between whilst still being close. So lots of common sense cosiderations to be taken 'on the ground'.

To answer the question literally, I could stand next to it, or even on it! Would not be good for the bees though. This sounds more like a question from someone with a hive and a close neighbour building a bonfire close to a beehive. Seems like there may be animosity, but just guessing. If it is indeed the case, we have the classic example of poor siting of a beehive.

Regards, RAB

 

[Black Comb]

Well my hive can only be sited in one place in my garden which is about 20' away from where my (friendly) neighbour burns rubbish.

I was aware of this before siting the hive and know it is a risk but so far so good.

He only burns in smallish amounts and only when the wind is blowing away from the hive.

In the worst case scenario I suppose they will swarm?

 

[oliver90owner]

they will swarm?

Well abscond is more like, but unlikely at 6m with a small fire.

You were quite right to say friendly neighbour - obviously he is aware of your hobby and is not a beephobiac. I daresay the occasional jar of honey keeps him sweet!

Regards, RAB

 

[Gillybee]

Well said RAB could'nt put it better myself.

Gillybee!

 

[jezd]

How close to your hive would you be able to light a bonfire do you think?

lmao, the fact you are asking that says its too close!!!!

 

[buffalow]

To answer the question literally, I could stand next to it, or even on it!

Not advisable Rab unless your name is GUY and you have asbestos undies

I would try and shelter the hive/s with some steel sheet or similar to absorb/deflect any radiant heat from the hives. ideal soluion would be a hedge of some kind but too late to plant now for the 5h Nov

 

[oliver90owner]

Not advisable Rab

Er? I was answering the OPs question. Therefore I was referring to the hive, not the bonfire! I think that was the question?

Regards, Guy

 

[tkwinston4]

My husband regularly has his bonfire about 20 feet away from my hive and they don't complain. He has a worrying obsession with fire and never bothers to worry about my girls or washing. I await the day they put their feet down and say NO!