ORC’s Team Leader Compliance Monitoring, Chris McSweeney, says while outdoor burning in the colder winter months improves fire safety, the combination of spiralling smoke and the natural inversion layer can increase the incidences of pollution.
“We know how important outdoor burning is to the community and we are just reminding people to follow good burning practices. If not done well, outdoor burning is not only a nuisance for neighbours but can also contribute to air pollution if banned materials are burned and harmful toxins are released into the air,” Mr McSweeney says.
Incidents in past two months: 17 May – 17 July
Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes District areas
There were 19 outdoor burning complaints, of which 11 were attended by ORC staff.
Coastal Otago (Dunedin, Waitaki, Clutha) areas
There were 34 outdoor burning complaints, of which 18 were attended by ORC staff.
Mr McSweeney says if it’s a cold start to the day - particularly in Central Otago – people should consider starting their outdoor burning later in the day to allow for the inversion layer to lift and so the smoke can dissipate higher in the sky.
“If people pick a good weather day, then any smoke from a permitted outdoor burn should not be an issue to neighbouring properties over their boundary,” he says.
There are three types of outdoor burning; industrial burning, a backyard fire and vegetation/forestry burn off. People can only burn in a Fire and Emergency NZ open season or permitted fire season.
Mr McSweeney says ensure the fire is managed and start with a smaller amount of material on the fire and get it burning well before adding any more material to the fire.
People should continue to monitor their fire, not let it smoulder and not leave it unattended or leave it to burn overnight.
“If using mechanical equipment, try not to add too much dirt to a fire as it will stifle the oxygen flow, which will cause more smoke,” he says.
It is important that people do not burn rubber, plastics, tyres, foam rubber, treated timber or waste oil or other petroleum products. (full list below)
Learn more about outdoor burning
What you can burn
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Vegetation (must not be green)
• Untreated wood
What you cannot burn
Burning these kinds of materials can release harmful toxins into the air.
• Rubber, including tyres, tubes and foam rubber
• Treated timber
• Waste oil or other petroleum products
• Plastics of any kind, including vinyl, nylon, and polystyrene, but you can burn polyethylene (used for silage wrap)
• Mineral fibres
• Wires or cables
• Food waste
• Disposable nappies
• Chemicals including garden sprays and agrichemicals
• Paints, varnishes or other surface coatings
• Motor vehicle or vehicle parts
• Any pathological material
• Sewage sludge, such as solids from septic tanks
• Material from contaminated sites or buildings
• Materials containing heavy metals
Report Pollution
If you observe an instance of pollution to water, air, or land in Otago, call the Pollution Hotline which is staffed 24/7 on 0800 800 033 and report it. You can also use our online reporting form.
More information
The Regional Plan: Air for Otago
The Regional Plan: Air for Otago (the Air Plan) assists us in managing Otago's air resource.
Outdoor burning
Some outdoor burning is allowed, but are you burning rubbish or toasting marshmallows? We have tips to help you reduce the pollution caused by outdoor fires.
