Complaints to the Otago Regional Council's pollution hotline about seven Central Otago bonfires within 48 hours has prompted a warning that such behaviour will be ''stamped out'' and the worst offenders prosecuted.
Bonfires near Cromwell, Alexandra and Clyde this week, during still conditions when smoke was trapped under a low inversion layer, caused a nuisance to neighbours and raised the ire of council regional services director Jeff Donaldson.
''This is silly stuff and sometimes it's happening right on the edge of the town belt. It's crazy and we've got to stamp it out,'' he said. A prohibited fire season in Central Otago was revoked on May 5 and a restricted fire season is in force, so people need a permit to burn in the open air.
''And just because you have a fire permit, doesn't mean you can light the bonfire no matter what; you still have to obey the rules on the permit, which say you cannot cause objectionable and offensive smoke beyond your property boundary. On these still days, smoke is staying low and lingering and it's a very bad time of year for air quality.''
Although there had been no exceedances of the National Environmental Standards for air quality in those three towns during the past week, that was likely to change as the bonfires boosted air pollution, which affected people's health, Mr Donaldson said.
''You ask anyone with asthma how they feel about their neighbours having a bonfire - they find it offensive.''
The increase in bonfires was linked to the lifting of the prohibited fire season and people disposing of vegetation were the problem.
''Burning's becoming something that's not so acceptable as it used to be,'' he said.
''Wood chipping is an option, although expensive, or burying the rubbish.''
The council would investigate the most recent complaints and some offenders could face an instant fine of $300. More serious cases might involve prosecution.
''Industries and individuals can be prosecuted,'' Mr Donaldson said.
