Wood and bushfire smoke

All slow combustion wood heaters tend to smoke when they are first lit or when refueling. Pooling of wood smoke may also be unavoidable in some locations. Having said this, they should not smoke excessively for long periods if they are operated correctly and are well maintained.

The EPA’s website has some useful information on reducing wood smoke pollution.

If you have a problem with a neighbour’s wood heater and talking to them about it hasn’t worked, you can contact Council and we will investigate.

Report an issue

Where smoke is considered excessive, a smoke abatement notice can be issued. Factors include the continuous length of time that the plume of smoke is visible and frequency.

Smoke abatement notices are issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act. Civil action can also be taken in the local court.

If you can see or smell smoke from your wood heater then your solid fuel heater is most likely causing a problem for yourself, your family and your neighbours.

The Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Amendment (Solid Fuel Heaters) Regulation 2016 makes it compulsory for domestic solid fuel appliances in NSW to comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards 4012:2014 and 4013:2014.

All new solid fuel home heaters sold in NSW (locally and imported) must have at least 60 per cent efficiency and no more than 1.5 grams of particle emissions per kilogram of fuel burnt (g/kg).

Wood and bushfire smoke contains a number of noxious gases (including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and a range of organic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are toxic or carcinogenic and fine particles, which go deep into the lungs.

For more information on how to protect yourself from bushfire smoke and its health effects, go to the NSW Health website.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas that deprives the body of oxygen and affects the reflexes. At low levels of exposure people can experience headaches, fatigue or chest pain, at moderate levels, flu-like symptoms, and high concentrations may result in death. A poorly installed wood heater can cause elevated levels of CO inside a home.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

PAHs can cause eye irritations, headaches and serious damage to the respiratory, nervous, reproductive and immune systems. Exposure to high levels can cause cancer. PAH levels in the atmosphere are highest during winter when wood heaters and fireplaces are frequently used.

Fine particles

Fine particles in smoke can cause short-term irritations in the eyes, nose and throat. If fine particles are breathed deep into the lungs, it can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions such as angina, bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. According to the World Health Organisation, any exposure to fine particles can cause health problems.

Smoke pollution affects everyone, but the people who are at greatest risk are:

• infants and young children
• those suffering from existing heart, lung and vascular conditions such as asthma, angina, emphysema and diabetes
• frail and elderly people.

If you are more sensitive to bushfire smoke, follow your doctor’s advice about how to stay safe. Keep your medication, medical devices and action plan for your health condition, if you have one, close by.

Contact your doctor or the 24-hour healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you are concerned about any symptoms.

The following useful tips will help you get the most out of your wood heater:

• Use dry, dense, seasoned wood.
• Never use treated or painted timber.
• Stack wood under cover in a dry well ventilated area off the ground
• When lighting the fire put plenty of paper underneath and two or three loosely crumpled sheets on top to heat the flue and create a quick draught.
• Use small logs and ensure air can circulate freely around each log (at least 2cm space).
• Leave the air flow fully open for at least 20 minutes to create the right conditions for the wood to burn completely and cleanly right from the start. 
• Keep the air control fully open for 5 minutes before and 15-20 minutes after adding logs.
• Don't let your heater smoulder, keep the air control open enough to maintain a flame. A hotter fire means there will be less smoke.
• Keep your heater and flue clean to ensure good air flow and prevent creosote build-up.
• Avoid burning coal - most domestic heaters are not designed to withstand the heat that comes from burning coal. It will affect the longevity of the heater and you risk filling your room with noxious gases.

For more information on how to operate your wood heater correctly, visit the Australian Home Heating Association website.