Illegal pile burns are contributing to toxins in the air – and it is a growing problem in the Wingecarribee Shire.
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One town that has been highlighted by the RFS as a problem area is Bundanoon, especially on the outskirts of the village.
RFS crews have found a range of items in pile burns, including green vegetation and timber, building materials, furniture, household and commercial items as well as materials in excessive sizes.
Bundanoon RFS deputy captain Peter Lockerbie said that burning these materials was “dangerous and illegal” and the smoke from such burns could be toxic to animals and humans.
Mr Lockerbie said the pile burns were “getting progressively worse each season” and had become rampant in the last five years.
Crews have also found vinyl flooring, paint tins, fences, gyprock, batteries, bicycles and a year’s worth of magazines in pile burns.
Mr Lockerbie said RFS crews took notes and photos of illegal pile burns, and incidents were investigated jointly by the RFS district office and Wingecarribee Shire Council.
“We do document these things and pass them onto council,” he said.
Mr Lockerbie said illegal pile burning had become blatant and 100 per cent support the rules being enforced.
He said there shouldn’t be warnings with such blatant dismissal of the rules.
“What frustrates us is the total disregard for others. They don’t care about the surrounding people and animals.”
Southern Highlands community safety officer Inspector David Stinson said it was important for people to be aware of the rules.
“Landholders must appreciate the [Protection of the Environment Operation (Control of Burning) Regulation 2002] prescribes burning only dry and dead vegetation,” he said.
“They have an obligation to burn within the requirements of the regulation.”
If you see an illegal pile burn being set up or burning, please contact Wingecarribee Shire Council on 4868 0888. Council will send a ranger out to visit the site and check its contents.
Visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/services/environment/environmental-information/pollution-information/backyard-burning for more information on what to do for a safe and secure pile burn.
There is also a search function where landholders can find out where and when pile burning is permitted.