Burn Brighter this Winter is a community education program designed to inform wood heater owners of the best techniques to use when operating their heater so as to reduce smoke emissions and improve air quality in their local environment. This page provides a range of information and resources which Local Government officers may wish to utilise.
Burn Brighter this Winter key messages
The key messages for Burn Brighter this winter are:
- Only burn dry, seasoned firewood
- Always burn with a flame - don't let your fire smoulder
- After reloading, open the air control and burn your fire on high for 20 minutes, especially before going to bed
Community education products
A range of community education products have been developed by the EPA which Local Government officers can freely download and use for community education purposes. These resources include:
Burn Brighter this Winter Fact Sheet
(2Mb)
Burn Brighter this Winter A2 Poster
(838Kb)
Burn Brighter this Winter A3 Poster
(310Kb)
Social media resources - new in 2022
BBtW Social Media Tile Landscape
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BBtW Social Media Tile Square
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BBtW Social Media Tile Portrait
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Factsheets for the Smoke Regulations
Factsheet - Rules for Backyard Burning
(284Kb)
Factsheet - Rules for Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking
(331Kb)
Smoke Regulations & Wood Heating FAQs - DL Brochure
(802Kb)
Community education videos
The videos below can be viewed here or on YouTube. These videos can be used as education tools by councils.
Burn Brighter this Winter Part 1 of 5 – Why do wood heaters smoke? (Approx. 8 minutes)
Burn Brighter this Winter Part 2 of 5 - Smoke is wasted fuel. (Approx 2 minutes)
Burn Brighter this Winter Part 3 of 5 – How to operate a wood heater more efficiently. (Approx 5 minutes)
Burn Brighter this Winter Part 4 of 5 – How to burn wood overnight and reduce smoke. (Approx 1.5 minutes)
Burn Brighter this Winter Part 5 of 5 – Maintaining a wood heater. (Approx. 2 minutes)
A DVD of the videos can be obtained by contacting the Co-ordinator Local Government Engagement (details below).
Postcard
The EPA keeps small numbers of postcards with an image of correct wood heater usage which can be given to members of the public. A pdf of the postcard is available into which councils can insert their own logo, if they wish. To obtain the postcard or pdf, please contact the Co-ordinator Local Government Engagement (details below).
Lectures about domestic wood smoke
In addition to these community education resources, the EPA has produced in-depth lectures which provide more information about issues relating to domestic wood smoke. The video links below will take you directly to YouTube.
Video presentation by Dr Fay Johnston, GP and Senior Researcher Menzies Research Institute on the health impacts of wood smoke. (Approx 10 mins)
Video presentation by Dr John Innis, Senior Environmental Officer, Air, EPA on the Tasmanian wood smoke experience and air quality monitoring around the state. (Approx. 30 mins)
Video presentation by Professor John Todd, Academic and Consultant with 30 years experience in wood heater research; on why wood heaters smoke and how to operate a wood heater more efficiently. (Approx. 30 mins)
A DVD of the videos can be obtained by contacting the Co-ordinator Local Government Engagement (details below).
Regulations
Emissions of smoke from wood heaters are regulated in Tasmania. More information: Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations 2019
Air Quality Monitoring Program
The EPA also undertakes an Air Quality Monitoring Program which includes
monitoring air quality in real time.
Department of Health Air Quality Information
Information about air quality and your health is available from the
Department of Health Air Quality page.
Department of Health Alerts
Information about any current public health alerts is available from the
Department of Health Alerts page.
Air quality monitoring assistance
The EPA may be able to assist councils to monitor air quality in their municipality. For more information about the Air Quality Monitoring Program contact the EPA Air Specialist - see below.
Further Information
For further information about Burn Brighter this Winter contact the Coordinator Local Government Engagement.