Rules applying to outdoor fires during winter in the Napier and Hastings air sheds begin on Wednesday 1 May. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council reminds residents that no outdoor burning is permitted in these zones until after 31 August 2019.

"While Hastings and Napier air quality is improving thanks to better home heating, outdoor burning can still be a health hazard and so it's banned during winter," says Regional Council Regulation Group Manager Liz Lambert.

"The rules are quite clear that you can't do any outdoor burning in the air sheds. The rules have been in effect for over five years with a lot of education and media about the rules, so people are generally compliant over those winter months, adds Mrs Lambert.

Outdoor fires are permitted for burning orchard or vineyard material when food production trees are being replaced with others, when shelter belts need to be removed for redevelopment, or when landowners need to control disease. Barbecue or hangi fires are still permitted.

Fires should not cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties, so industries who are permitted to light a fire should do so when weather conditions allow smoke to go upwards.

People also need to check with their city or district councils about any local bylaws regarding fires in the open air.

The regional rules that apply to burning can be checked at hbrc.govt.nz, search: #burning.
To find out if a property is inside an air shed, see the air quality moniitoring map on the Regional Council's website.

Anyone who has a problem with smoke from a neighbouring property can call the Regional Council's Pollution Hotline, which operates 24 hours, every day. If in doubt, call the Pollution Hotline on 0800 108 838.

From this Wednesday 1 May, backyard burning inside the Napier and Hastings air sheds is not permitted until after 31 August 2019.

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