Canberrans are being reminded of the best ways to use their wood heaters with the launch of this year’s Burn Right Tonight campaign.
Welcoming the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate’s annual campaign, Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti said the campaign educated people about simple steps for using wood heaters efficiently, regardless of their age.
“Taking steps to maintain your chimney ahead of the winter period and following up with actions throughout the colder seasons to run your wood heater efficiently can reduce negative impacts on the environment and air quality,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“Your neighbours will thank you as well,” she said.
“Smoke from wood heaters is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the ACT, making the maintenance and efficient operation of wood heaters during winter paramount to protecting both the community’s health and the environment.”
Ms Vassarotti said the yearly winter campaign recommended that people use dry, well-seasoned, untreated wood in their heaters; start fires with the air control fully open; use small logs; and leave the air control open so that their fire didn’t smoulder overnight.
In a statement, the Directorate said using wood heaters correctly would improve Canberra’s air quality, save people money, and keep their home warm during winter.
“Smoke from domestic wood heaters is an environmental and health issue, linked to several serious health conditions including asthma, chronic lung disease, heart problems and premature births and deaths,” the Directorate said.
“In winter, smoke from domestic wood heaters is the main source of air pollution.”
It also recommended that people have their flue swept by a professional chimney sweep ahead of the winter season and that they don’t to overfill their heater with wood.
