ORC reminds communities to burn dry, breathe easy 

by Tim Ware

 

Air quality can vary immensely throughout Otago, depending on location and time of year. We accept we’re able to enjoy good air quality most of the time.

However, it’s vital we improve air quality, where possible, to enable us to live in a healthier region.  

Otago Regional Council is currently running its annual Burn Dry, Breathe Easy messaging highlighting ways to ensure your firewood is dry for burning in winter, and the effects that burning wet wood and other items can have on the environment. 

The Council hopes this campaign will encourage residents to consider the health of those in their area when using wood burners.

Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when residents burn only dry wood and keep their fire hot and not smouldering.  

Air quality often degrades during winter due to increased domestic heating emissions, cold calm weather, and the occurrence of inversion layers. 

ORC has monitoring sites in seven Otago towns: Milton, Mosgiel, Dunedin, Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell and Arrowtown.  

These measure tiny particles in the air, including those from vehicle and industry emissions, and combustion; however, the main source in Otago is home heating emissions.  

For more details and further Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips, please visit www.orc.govt.nz/bdbe