EPA offers hot tips for the best woodfires this winter

VICTORIA’S environmental watchdog has some handy tips for everyone who has a wood burning heater keeping their toes warm this winter.

EPA Victoria says the condition of the heater, the flue and the fuel you are using all contribute to seeing more, or less, smoke from your chimney.

EPA chief environmental scientist Jen Martin said people would get less smoke and more heat for their money if they did it right.

“Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year, only burn dry, clean wood, and extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

“Don’t leave it smouldering – it’s inefficient, generates more smoke and creates a fire hazard.”

Wood heater owners have an obligation, under the Environment Protection Act’s General Environment Duty, to minimise the smoke from their wood heater.

EPA urges anyone burning wood to consider their neighbours’ health and seek alternative heat sources, especially on calm days with not much wind.

The people most sensitive to smoke from wood heaters are those with heart or lung conditions such as asthma, pregnant women, young children, those aged 65 years and over, people with diabetes and smokers.

“If you suffer from heart or lung disease and you notice symptoms of smoke exposure, take your regular medications, rest and seek medical advice if the symptoms persist,” Dr Martin said.

Another important tip is to avoid burning the wrong things, including coal, coke, driftwood, household rubbish, painted wood, chemically treated timber or the green-coloured pine logs used at parks and playgrounds.

The EPA website has more information for anyone who wants to be a good neighbour and create more heat and less smoke from their wood heater – head to epa.vic.gov.au/manage-smoke-wood-heaters

Members of the public can report pollution by phoning EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or heading to epa.vic.gov.au/what-pollution-and-waste-you-can-report