Smoke from Woodfire Heaters
Residents who use a wood heater to warm their home in winter should follow this advice to protect the health and safety of their family. Wood heaters can also bother your neighbours by emitting smelly smoke and reducing air quality.
Report smoke from woodfire heaters
We investigate woodfire heaters that may be a public health nuisance and provide advice to woodfire heater owners to address issues.
To make a confidential complaint:
Prior to submitting a request to investigate a wood heater smoke, you must complete and submit a signed wood heater incident log.
Complete log - Record of Woodfire Heater Incidents Log (PDF)
How to use your woodfire heater the right way
Tips for woodfire heater users
- Use a registered plumber to install your wood heater.
- If buying firewood to use immediately, buy dry seasoned, untreated timber. Unseasoned wood can have up to 50 per cent moisture content so it is hard to ignite, slow to burn and produces smoke and less heat.
- Conduct regular maintenance checks and have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year, especially before the start of winter.
- Do not burn garden clippings, household rubbish, painted or treated timber or particle board.
- Occasionally check the amount of smoke coming from your chimney. There should not be continuous visible smoke after 20 minutes of operation.
- If the smoke is continuous and visible, book a maintenance check or replace your wood heater.
- You may need a license or permit to collect timber from public land. For more information, visit the Department of Sustainability and Environment website or call 136 186.
- Get more tips to reduce smoke from your wood heater.