Alpine winters conjure up images of cosy wood fires and warm hot chocolates, but it’s important wood fires are used and managed safety. Wood smoke contains particles and gases that may affect some people’s health, and they have potential to make heart and lung conditions worse. Excessive exposure to smoke may cause burning eyes and runny noses, and with some people more sensitive to smoke, its important it is managed correctly.
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has valuable resources to help visitors and property managers understand how to use wood fire heaters in a safe and responsible way.
All leaseholders that have a wood heater within the property are required to ensure its operating correctly and not adversely impacting others. This includes having wood heaters and flues serviced every year by a professional.
Properties should ensure that all wood available for burning is dry, seasoned and untreated wood, and all tainted, toxic or treated timber is discarded before guests arrive to avoid accidental burning. Best practice is to ensure all wood is small or medium sized.
Property managers should consider seeking further information regarding safe wood fires from the EPA’s website here or downloading and displaying a fact sheet on how to reduce wood smoke here.
Page last updated: 02/05/25