Investigating complaints
We will investigate if issues between neighbours cannot be resolved and further complaints are made. We can issue a compliance notice if the open-air fire or smoke is determined to be a nuisance. This requires the nuisance to be rectified within a specified time. Fines may be issued for non-compliance.
When investigating a smoke complaint, we will consider:
- the amount of smoke
- the duration and rate of emission
- the smoke’s characteristics and qualities
- the sensitivity of the environment into which the smoke is being emitted
- the impact that it has had or may have
- views of any other neighbours or complainants
- other relevant criteria
Be a good neighbour
We encourage you to firstly talk to your neighbours. You should find out what concerns they might have. You should even ask for suggestions to solve problems so situations don’t escalate. Solutions can often be found which please everyone. Make a habit of checking your wood heaters chimney for excessive smoke.
All wood heaters will emit smoke at different times, regardless of their type. Due to the nature of their heating system. If your house is close to other homes, the smoke is likely to cause a nuisance on a still winter's night. If there is more distance between houses and the smoke isn't likely to be intense. To keep your house warm, install insulation in the ceiling. You can also close doors to unoccupied rooms. Draw curtains to keep the heat in and block all draughts.
As an alternative, gas heaters are clean burning, cost effective and less polluting. To keep your house warm, install insulation in the ceiling. You can also close doors to unoccupied rooms. Draw curtains to keep the heat in and block all draughts.
Reducing smoke emissions
When buying a heater, you need to make sure you have an appropriately sized wood heater. If your heater is too large, you will need to turn it down. That reduces its efficiency and causes excessive smoke. You are responsible for meeting the Australian Standards (AS4013 and AS2918).
Clean and maintain your chimney
At the beginning and end of winter, you need to clean and maintain your chimney and wood heater. Always check for rust, the glass door for cracks and door ropes seals for deterioration. Lubricate the air-slide control with high-temperature grease.
Choose your firewood carefully
The dryness of firewood makes all the difference to the amount of smoke emitted from a chimney. Wet or green wood causes excessive smoke and doesn’t generate as much heat. Dry wood is lighter in colour and usually when banged together makes a hollow cracking sound. Wet or green wood is heavier and usually darker in colour. Don’t use wood products such as chipboard, as they contain formaldehyde. Don’t use treated or painted timber, as the smoke from these products is hazardous to the health of others.
Stack wood under a cover and in a dry ventilated area
Wood should be air-dried for at least eight months before burning. Keep wood under cover and stack in a criss-cross manner to allow air to circulate.
Check your chimney
All wood heaters tend to smoke when first lit but not last for more than 15 minutes. Check the chimney often, and if it is smoking too much, reduce the fuel load and open the airflows.
Burn a smart fire
Start with dry kindling and completely open the air controls. Do not use oil or fuel soaked rags. When the fire is well established, add larger wood pieces. Make sure not to choke the fire by overloading it with logs. An efficient fire should have bright swirling flames and red glowing embers. There should be little or no smoke coming from the chimney.
Keep air controls open at night
Avoid shutting down the air controls / damper overnight. Doing this also causes excessive smoke. Let the fire burn out completely overnight, as there be enough heat to keep your house warm until morning.
For more information call us on (07) 3412 3412 or email us on council@logan.qld.gov.au.