Take care when lighting open air fires in your back yard this winter
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As the winter months bring a cool change to the region, open air fires can become more frequent across our back yards, which can lead to Council receiving complaints relating to smoke nuisance.
Smoke and particles from open-air fires can cause a nuisance to neighbours and interfere with their normal daily activities. If severe, it can also affect their health.
That’s why Council is encouraging residents to be mindful of when and how you can burn off in the open air.
Portfolio holder Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend said there’s an easy way to find out more about reducing smoke impacts and meeting legal requirements.
“Council’s Local Laws team has put together a handy fact sheet including all of the necessary information to guide residents around lighting fires in their back yards,” Cr Friend said.
“The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) and Rural Fire Service (RFS) fulfil a supervisory role in relation to lighting fires in the open.
“There are several steps that need to be undertaken before lighting open air fires, and Council is responsible for regulating environmental nuisance within the community, so you may not be able to burn off in the open air even with Rural Fire Service approval.”
When investigating a smoke complaint, Council will consider the amount of smoke, the smoke’s duration, rate of emission and characteristics, the sensitivity of the environment and impact that it has had or may have, views of other neighbours or complainants, other relevant criteria.
“If the smoke is determined to be a nuisance, Council may issue a Direction Notice. The notice will detail the offence and give a timeframe for the problem to be rectified,” Cr Friend said.
“I encourage residents to simply talk to your neighbours first. Find out what concerns they have or ask for suggestions to solve problems. Solutions can often be found which satisfy everyone.”
For more information, you can read the full fact sheet by visiting Council’s website.
Handy Hints
recycle or reuse waste where possible
regular composting reduces the need for burning in the open air
take large branches or trees to Council waste tips or transfer stations
never burning paints, hazardous chemicals, wet paper or cloth and sanitary napkins, as they release hazardous chemicals.
avoid burning wet or green vegetation which smoulders and causes excessive smoke
give fires maximum airflow for efficiency, resulting in less smoke
ensure adequate fire-control for safety
observe weather conditions before lighting fire
If possible, choose a calm day
For more information, contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 790 919 or visit our website.