Outdoor burns spark complaints

A spate of outdoor fires in the Tasman District has sparked 81 air pollution complaints over 20 days.

In a statement on Wednesday, Tasman District Council environment and planning manager Dennis Bush-King said the complaints related to outdoor burns in the Waimea Plains and Motueka

areas. The noticeable smoky haze comes as air quality improved in general during the Covid-19 lockdown period.

‘‘There’s several elements contributing to the smoke pollution we’ve been experiencing recently,’’ Bush-King said. ‘‘Horticulture burns are common at this time of year at the end of the season’s pick. But this year, that has coincided with the lifting of the Civil Defence Covid-19 fire ban, an increase in property maintenance that people have been carrying out on lifestyle and rural properties throughout the lockdown, and a period of cold, settled weather with little wind to disperse smoke.’’

The council had issued four infringement fines, six abatement notices and ‘‘a number of warnings’’ to people with excessively smoky outdoor fires.

‘‘If you’re planning on carrying out a burn, you need to follow good practice to ensure it doesn’t become a nuisance and create pollution,’’ Bush-King said. ‘‘Use only dry wood and ensure a good air flow by stacking it loosely. If it’s a particularly cold, calm day, it’s not a great time to burn because the smoke won’t rise and disperse.’’

If a fire had to be lit, it was best to do so after 10am once the temperature had risen so the smoke could disperse. The fire should be out by 4pm before the temperature dropped for the night.

‘‘Take a look around before you light,’’ Bush-King said. ‘‘If you can see a haze from other fires in the area, don’t make it worse by starting another one.’’

Other options to lighting outdoor fires in unsuitable conditions included stockpiling green waste to burn during more favourable conditions and mulching. More tips were available at tasman.govt.nz/outdoorburning, on the council’s website.

Bush-King urged people to visit checkitsalright.nz to see if a permit was required. Smoke complaints could be made by calling (03) 543 8400.