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Keeping the home fires burning safely
There’s something about a cosy wood fire on a cold night isn’t there?
Unfortunately backyard burning or the incorrect use of internal wood fires can generate excessive smoke which can have a negative impact on our air quality.
Improve Winter Air Quality by Using Your Wood Heater Correctly
Here we look at some of the ways you can reduce smoke from your wood fire.
• Always burn small logs of aged, dry hardwood. Unseasoned wood has more moisture which makes a heater smoke.
• Store wood under cover in a dry, ventilated area.
• Use plenty of dry kindling to establish a good fire quickly.
• Never burn rubbish, treated or painted wood as this can pollute the air and can be poisonous.
• Keep the flame lively and bright. Your fire should only smoke for a few minutes when you first light it and when you add extra fuel.
• Don’t let your wood heater smoulder overnight. Keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame.
• Check your chimney or flue regularly. If there is smoke coming from the chimney increase the air supply to your fire.
Check your heater complies with Australian Standard 4013:1999.
Backyard Burning
Council’s Backyard Burning Policy aims to prevent air pollution and eliminate smoke and odour from inefficient backyard burning.
Restrictions apply to backyard burning in urban and closely settled areas such as Alstonville, Ballina, Cumbalum, Lennox Head, Wardell and Wollongbar, however some exceptions do apply. Maps showing restricted areas can be downloaded from Council’s website.
During the bush fire danger period a fire permit may be required for fires lit in the open. There are other general requirements at other times of the year.
Further information: Ballina Shire Council 1300 864 444, ballina.nsw.gov.au (search backyard burning) Bush Fire Information Line - Rural Fire Service: 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) rfs.nsw.gov.au
