Consider neighbours when keeping warm this winter
With winter just days away Moreton Bay Regional Council is urging residents to consider their neighbours when keeping homes warm with wood fires.
Mayor Allan Sutherland said the use of wood heaters carried a community responsibility.
“Each year council receives a number of complaints about smoke caused by wood heaters,” he said.
“By following some simple steps, residents can enjoy this form of heating without causing a nuisance to neighbours.
“Excessive smoke emissions can aggravate health conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and may also affect the cardiovascular system.
“Residents also risk being fined under State Government legislation if smoke emissions are causing a nuisance.”
Wood heater users are urged to: Buy the right heater. Make sure the wood heater is constructed and installed in accordance with Australian Design Standards AS4013 and AS2918 to ensure that they are safe and efficient to use. Choose your firewood carefully. Burn only dry, seasoned timber to minimise smoke emissions. Stack wood under cover in a dry, well-ventilated area. Stack wood in a criss-cross manner to allow air to circulate. Burn the fire brightly.
The hotter and more efficient the fire, the less smoke is created. Keep air controls open at night. Reducing the oxygen supply causes smouldering, greatly increasing smoke emissions. Never burn rubbish such as plastics, foam, chipboard or treated timber. These products can be very dangerous to your health when burnt, as they generate toxic fumes.
For more information phone 3480 6666 or refer to website www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
