We’re urging North Canterbury residents to take greater care with outdoor burning after a sharp rise in complaints over the past few weeks. Outdoor burning rules exist to protect our air and our community. 

Reports have highlighted a number of problems, including people burning materials that are not permitted, lighting fires with wet or green material, and allowing smoke to drift beyond their property boundary. Each of these activities breaches outdoor burning rules and creates nuisance smoke that affects neighbours and the wider community. 

We all share the air so let’s keep it clean

“Our air is something we all share, and smoke from poorly managed outdoor burning has a real impact on people’s health and wellbeing,” said Brain Reeves, team leader northern compliance.

“When smoke drifts across property boundaries, it can trigger asthma, make life difficult for those with existing respiratory conditions and reduce people’s ability to enjoy their homes and gardens.” 

The rules are clear: 

• Only approved materials can be burned outdoors – no plastics, rubber, treated wood or household rubbish. 
• Fires must be managed so smoke does not cross the property boundary. 
• Wet or green materials should never be burned, as they create excessive smoke and unpleasant odours. 

For more information about outdoor burning rules in Canterbury and what can and cannot be burned, visit ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning. 

If in doubt, don’t light it 

“Burning responsibly means making sure materials are dry, burning only what’s allowed, and managing your fire so it doesn’t affect your neighbours,” Brian said.   

“If in doubt, don’t light it.” 

We’re encouraging residents to consider alternatives such as mulching, composting or using green waste disposal facilities, which are better for both air quality and community wellbeing. 

“We know outdoor burning has traditionally been part of rural life,” Brian said.  

“But times have changed, and we now understand much more about the health impacts of smoke. By following the rules, residents can still manage their properties effectively while protecting the health of their neighbours and the environment.” 

How to report outdoor burning

If smoke from outdoor burning is causing a nuisance for you, call us on 0800 765 588 (24 hours) or use the Snap Send Solve app to report an issue from your mobile device.