15/07/2026
💨 Does your burn pile suck... In enough oxygen?
We've all seen them... the burn pile that smoulders away for hours, filling the hills with smoke.
Some smoke is unavoidable during a burn-off, but a well-built fire will burn hotter, cleaner and produce far less smoke than one that's struggling to stay alight.
If you want a hot fire instead of a smoky mess, follow these tips:
• Stack your burn pile to allow plenty of airflow. Think of it like a giant game of Jenga, not one big heap.
• Use heavier logs and branches to build the structure, with finer fuels and leaves packed in between.
• If your material is a little damp, build up a good hot fire first, then add the wetter material gradually.
• If you're only burning leaves or light garden waste, use a well-ventilated steel drum or even that old Weber that's been gathering dust in the shed.
• Avoid burning freshly cut green material where possible.
• Thick white smoke usually means your fire is too wet, too cool, or isn't getting enough oxygen.
A hotter, cleaner fire means less smoke for you, your family, your neighbours and the whole community.
Burn smart. Burn considerate.
