• Outdoor burning banned in Napier and Hastings from tomorrow

Outdoor burning banned in Napier and Hastings from tomorrow

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is reminding residents that rules applying to outdoor fires during winter in the Napier and Hastings air sheds take effect tomorrow (May 1).

From then, through to August 31, no outdoor burning is permitted in these zones.

“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 found here.

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.

 

Tags