Smoke from fires

Smoke and fumes from fires can cause health problems.

Under the Wellington City Council Consolidated bylaw, no occupier of any premises may permit smoke, noxious fumes or other matter to be emitted from any outdoor fire, chimney, fireplace, barbecue, brazier or traditional cooking fire or other device on such premises to such an extent as to:

1. cause a nuisance to persons in the vicinity.
2. if, in the opinion of an enforcement officer or a fire officer, a nuisance is being caused, the enforcement officer or fire officer, as the case may be, may require the nuisance to be abated immediately.

Wellington Consolidated Bylaw 2008 - Part 3: Fire and Smoke Nuisance

Fire and smoke nuisances are also covered under Section 29 of the Health Act (1956).

Health Act 1956, Section 29 – New Zealand Legislation

Take care that your flue is not positioned where a neighbour can be affected by your smoke.

When lighting a fire, make sure you:

• Use enough kindling.
• Don't put too much firewood in at first.
• Stack wood loosely in the firebox so air can circulate.
• Always use dry wood.

Once alight, make sure you:

• Keep the fire burning brightly.
• Keep the air control open for at least 30 minutes.
• Burn smaller logs rather than trying to burn a single, large log.
• If you add logs, open up the air control to “high” for at least 20 - 30 minutes before turning down.
• Be careful not to block air supply to the base of the fire with a badly positioned log.
• Don't damp down the fire.
• Don’t burn rubbish in the fire.