A permit to burn is always required if:

• You are located in an area under the jurisdiction of the Fire & Rescue NSW (new window) 
•  During the bushfire danger period declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service (new window)
•  You are planning to burn anything other than vegetation in the Shoalhaven City Council area.

People who burn anything by open fire, or an incinerator have a legal responsibility to prevent or minimise air pollution. Only certain types of materials may be burnt. For more information please refer to the Guidelines for open burning/incinerators. (PDF 37kb)

Application to burn off (PDF 162 kb)

Dont let your heater cause a smoke nuisance: 

• Always burn small logs of aged, dry hardwood – unseasoned wood has more moisture which makes a heater smoke. 
• Store wood under cover in a dry ventilated area - freshly cut wood needs to be stored for 8-12 months.
• Never burn rubbish, driftwood or treated or painted wood, which can pollute the air and can be poisonous.
• Use plenty of dry kindling to establish a good fire quickly.   
• Stack wood loosely in your firebox so air can circulate. 
• Keep the flame lively and bright; your fire should only smoke for a few minutes when you first light it and when you add extra fuel. 
• Open the air controls fully for 5 minutes before and 15-20 minutes after reloading. Not letting your heater smoulder overnight – keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame.
• Check your chimney regularly – if there is smoke coming from the chimney, increase the air supply to your fire.
• Clean the chimney every year to prevent creosote build up.  
• Creosote is a sticky black residue that can build up in your chimney—it restricts air flow and makes your fire harder to start. A creosote-clogged chimney can spill smoke into your room when you open the heater, and even catch fire, putting your home at risk.

For more information visit:
Office of Environment and Heritage (new window) or
Environment Australia (new window)