Gotta light? Here's how to do it right

Smoky air, itchy eyes and smelly washing – these are things to consider before lighting up that rubbish or garden waste and becoming the neighbourhood nuisance.

Last year more than 850 smoke-related complaints were lodged with us. The year before that, it was nearly 900.

At around $350 per call out, the cost to the ratepayer can really add up. We want to get this number down.  

Although some outdoor burning is allowed under the Canterbury Air Regional Plan, Brian Reeves, service delivery leader, encourages Cantabrians to consider alternatives to burning to protect ourselves, our whānau and our region – and keep in your neighbours’ good books.

“Mulching, composting, kerbside collection services or transfer stations are strongly recommended as alternatives to burning,” Reeves said.

If burning is necessary, Reeves said you must ensure that the fire remains safe and is completely extinguished.

Illegal burning – under two hectares

If your property is under two hectares you cannot burn outdoors, even if you are in a rural area. Reeves said this is to limit the health and amenity impact that smoke has on communities.

The only exception is for outdoor cooking – including, BBQs, pizza ovens, hāngī or umu –provided the smoke is not offensive or objectionable beyond your property boundary.

Legal burning

If your property is over two hectares you can burn dry materials with a moisture content below 25 per cent, if the smoke does not cause a nuisance for neighbours. This includes vegetation (but excluding stubble/crop residue), paper, cardboard or untreated wood.

Your burn must be more than 100m upwind and 50m in any other direction from neighbours. There are other things to consider as well, including:

  • ensuring the smoke won’t be blown towards a township
  • only burning material from your property or an adjoining neighbour’s property
  • completing a smoke management plan (PDF file, 102 KB) if the burn will last more than three days or for any stubble burning
  • only burning between 1 September and 30 April if you are in a clean air zone
  • not using more than 10 litres of liquid fire accelerant
  • not burning within 100m of a national grid power line or substation (unless you have permission from the owner).

Responsible burning

Along with following the rules, Reeves has a few other suggestions for operating a more responsible and efficient fire:

  • Choose the right weather: Cloudy days are best for burning. They usually have light winds, which are good for dispersing and reducing the spread of smoke. Cool or foggy air is generally bad for burning, as the smoke sinks and won’t disperse.
  • Pile the debris: This creates a chimney effect during burning that helps to preheat the debris. Several smaller piles are better than one big pile. A hot fire with dry fuel creates less smoke. Remove as much dirt as possible from the debris when piling it, as dirt prevents the fire from burning hot and efficiently.
  • Give it air: Ensure there is plenty of flowing air under the burn to help it burn hotter with less smoke. Remove any dirt and, as the fire burns, remove any soot or ash that is stopping air flow.
  • Finish burning before night-time: Temperatures cool later in the day and the air tends to sink. These night-time winds carry the smoke towards low lying areas. Smoke may then become trapped near the ground during the night and early morning, creating a smoke nuisance for residential areas.

Check it’s alright before you light

Before lighting up, check the rules of your local council.

Fire Emergency New Zealand also has seasonal restrictions and permit requirements. Even if the burn complies with Environment Canterbury rules, you still need to check if it is an open, restricted or prohibited fire season. Visit checkitsalright.nz and follow the three-step tool to find out if you can light your fire, what the current fire risk is, and what you should do to stay safe.

Report an incident

Burning-related incidents can be reported to us on 0800 765 588 (24 hours) or via our report an incident app.

Our level of response will depend on different factors but can range from sending a letter with educational information for a first offence, a site visit if multiple or continued complaints are received and a potential on-the-spot infringement if the burn is in clear breach of the rules.

Following the rules keeps our whānau, property, and the environment safe.