Find helpful tips and steps to address nuisance smoke in your area.
About wood smoke
Each winter, the City of Wanneroo receives many calls about smoke from wood-fired heaters and burning activities. Excessive smoke can:
- Contribute to air pollution;
- Cause nuisance for neighbours;
- Impact outdoor activities and laundry;
- Lead to negative health effects, even for healthy individuals.
Development sites
Burning on development sites over 2000m² is prohibited under the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987.
This includes combined lots forming a continuous area over 2000m².
Exceptions: Vegetation clearing for agricultural purposes (Bush Fires Act 1954 requirements still apply)
Domestic wood heaters
Wood heater owners must operate heaters correctly and burn only dry, seasoned firewood. Poor practices increase smoke pollution and health risks.
Tips to reduce smoke:
- Keep woodpiles under cover;
- Never burn green, wet, or treated wood;
- Check your chimney for smoke;
- Start fires with dry kindling and open air;
- Keep fires burning brightly.
