People are being reminded to buy and stack their firewood now, in preparation for winter, so their fires burn hot and create less smoke.

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging people to buy and stack their firewood before Christmas so it has time to dry out over the summer months.

ORC Air Quality Scientist Sarah Harrison said there were clear benefits to buying and stacking firewood early.

“Having your firewood stacked for the summer gives it time to dry out thoroughly. Drier firewood burns hotter, making it more efficient for home-heating, while creating less smoke, meaning cleaner air for you and your neighbours," Sarah says.

“Air pollution in some Otago towns can get really bad over winter, and we know that it comes from home heating. Burning dry wood is one simple way residents can reduce the amount of smoke hanging over their towns during winter.

“Make sure your wood is neatly stacked with enough airflow to thoroughly dry it out over the next few months."

Cromwell made national news last winter as one of the “most polluted towns” in New Zealand, having exceeded the National Environmental Standard for air quality more than 20 times in 2021. 

Cromwell, along with Clyde, Alexandra and many other towns across the district are known for smoke during winter months as residential log burners work overtime. 

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research air quality scientist Dr Ian Longley told The Central App in August the total number of times Cromwell, Milton and Arrowtown together exceeded acceptable standards is almost in total of every other town across New Zealand combined. 

“Data from 2020 showed Arrowtown, Milton and Cromwell were the top 3 most polluted towns in NZ with, collectively, 71 exceedences of the National Environmental Standard, compared to 93 for all other towns across the country. 

“2021 looks like it’s not going to be much different.”

If smoke is creating a nuisance, it may be in breach of Otago’s Air Plan rules.

People can contact ORC’s 24/7 pollution hotline on 0800 800 033 to report air pollution, noting the address, date, time, a description of the complaint, and photo if possible.