Wood fireplaces and the selfish homeowner

I agree, there are more important things Council should worry about than the odd household fireplace.

To begin, it seems these days that unless you needle people somewhat then you won’t get a response, so thanks for the opportunity to more fully put forward my point of view. I can admit that the “overfed” comment was a bit unkind but I’ll stand by everything else I wrote. Also, I can see that I didn’t properly explain that whilst I first noticed the bad air a few years ago, it is worse now with more homes lighting up and for longer periods. Thanks again for the chance to clarify.

Your first two questions are related. Are fireplaces illegal? No, (not yet), but just because something is legal is no guarantee that it’s actually a good thing, especially when you’ve got interest groups involved. Drinking alcohol is legal but look at what happens when people drink to excess. Again, are fireplaces illegal? No, but that’s provided they are operated according to proper guidelines. Amongst many other things, the government’s Review of Literature on Residential Firewood Use says: “It is generally acknowledged that ‘real world’ emission factors (of fine particles) will be higher…because an unknown proportion of households operate their heaters poorly and use wet firewood.” Are you operating your fireplace according to HB170(2002)? Are you really?

It’s hard to believe that you’re unaware of the public concern on this issue. The above-mentioned review states in section 4.1 that “Community and government concern about urban wood-smoke has been increasing since the mid-1980s. International studies linking mortality and morbidity to fine particle concentrations significantly increased this concern since emission inventories for Australian cities showed residential wood heating was a significant source of (fine) particles.” And that “the available evidence overwhelmingly suggests that wood-smoke in urban areas should be reduced.” Have you ever asked anybody if they mind if you fire-up? I’m aware that particular swathes of demographics will either support or oppose wood fireplaces. It’s my experience that supporters are not aware of the implications of their use of fireplaces and can actually be arrogant in their unwillingness to delve a bit deeper. Why is that? Are they saying “bugger you, I want my fireplace”? And you neglected to mention what you would say to an asthma-sufferer or anyone with any kind of respiratory problem. Would you say “bugger you, I want my fireplace”?

Penrith, the western suburbs or Sydney in general is not a cold place. Somewhere with snow and ice is a cold place. When I was young, (this is going back somewhat), I can remember one house with a fireplace in my neighbourhood. Nobody had air conditioners. My family had an electric radiant heater used at night before going to bed. People survived quite well. Perhaps even you might agree with me that people are too soft these days, (in other ways as well). So you can’t rug-up a little when there’s a bit of frost on the ground? And you’re telling me to harden-up! I believe that people in temperate regions have become too dependent on any form of air conditioning. Of course I don’t begrudge the elderly or the very young or for people to have a comfortable house but the majority of people use their heaters or coolers unnecessarily. But back to fireplaces.

Regarding question 6, why do you need statistics for this? You should be able to see for yourself which houses have wood fireplaces in operation. A drive around town should reveal that there are more houses without working fireplaces than with. Again, this applies to temperate regions and it’s not to say that these homes don’t use some form of heating.

Now, the environmental issues. A thoughtful person will look into as many aspects of an issue as they can and make an informed choice or decision. Go to www.environment.govt.au Home Heating and Cooling for a comparison of emissions from heaters. Go to www.yourhome.govt.au where it states that “up to 90% of heat is lost up the chimney in open fireplaces” Slow combustion fairs better at 60% efficiency. To me, the big bad air conditioners don’t look so big or bad. In Sydney’s outer west where power is generated from hydroelectricity there’s no argument: electric (and gas) heaters are much more environmentally and neighbour friendly: shame on anyone there who has alternatives and regularly operates wood fireplaces. In other areas that are supplied from coal fire stations the question requires more consideration. Two things: the government’s carbon reduction scheme in 2010 is expected to impact on emissions from coal power stations so there will be incentives for districts to gradually switch to other forms of generation, (as it should for all our sakes). Secondly, the issue of fine particles, the biggest objection to wood fireplaces. If you do nothing else, I strongly urge you to go to Wikipedia: “Particulte” and read the Health Effects section. Then tell me if you still think having a wood fireplace is a good idea.

I think you strayed from the point with your backburns and bushfires comment but I’ll be happy to discuss that with you. I checked the yellow pages: the number of places selling only wood fireplaces is in the vast minority. These places would need compensation from the government of course. I’ll discuss that further with you too if you’d like.

The fact that councils have tried to ban wood fireplaces should indicate to you how much public concern there is on this issue. They haven’t been able to so far because the lobby groups are too strong. Look at the tobacco industry and yet everyone agrees that smoking is bad for you. Now, if you did already know everything I’ve been talking about, why did you still opt for a wood fireplace? I like the crackle of a nice cosy fire just like you but, I’m sorry, it’s just not a good enough reason in an urban situation when there are better alternatives.

Finally, everything we do impacts the environment. The whole point of my argument is to thoughtfully and judiciously use what we need to minimize our impact on the environment and other people. I do try to reduce my use of resources and while I’m at it I try to be a courteous and quiet neighbour. It’s up to you whether you believe me on that one or not. You’re angry because you don’t like me telling you I think your wood fireplace causes people problems. I’m angry because you think you’ve got the right to pollute the air my family and I breathe and you won’t listen. What say ye?

your a cockhead mate. alot of people love fresh air and not a skyfull of smoke. chimneys should be banned and consider other people just like smoking.

Can you give me a reason why we should pull our heads in?

Thanks for your reply. It gets down to this: do you think you have a right to pollute the air someone else is breathing? And as I've said before, not everybody operates their fireplace properly. It is the pig-headed ones who won't consider the people around them that I've got a big problem with. I also question your assertion that wood fireplaces, (in an urban situation), are sensible and sustainable. Education would be great but how do you get the obstinate to do their bit, (bearing in mind it only takes one to annoy a lot of people), and I keep asking this question: what if everybody had a wood fireplace? Any sensible replies that actually address what I'm saying?.... I thought not.

I was right.