Even if you have a complying, low-emission woodburner using it correctly can make a huge difference to its efficiency and to how much pollution it makes.

 

Use dry wood with a moisture content of less than 25% (Environment Canterbury, Waimakariri District Council and Christchurch City Council can test it for you).     

                                                      

Fires produce most smoke in the first half an hour after lighting. Laying a fire correctly can reduce the time it takes to reach its operating temperature and therefore minimise the pollution produced in that start-up period. 

 

Complaints about outdoor fires generate the most calls to Environment Canterbury’s pollution hotline. Outdoor burning is not allowed in residential areas or in any Clean Air Zone in Canterbury without a resource consent. Even if you live in a rural area where outdoor fires may be allowed, composting or recycling your waste has far less impact on air quality.                                            

 

You can call Environment Canterbury’s 24 hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 76 55 88 if you are affected by nuisance smoke from home heating or outdoor burning.

For further assistance please contact Customer Service on 03 353 9007 or toll free on 0800 324 636.

You can also visit our website www.ecan.govt.nz