Although we may have been “doing it for years,” and “they’re only small fires,” the full story should also take into account that it is not the size of the fire, but its location, that matters most. Fireplace and backyard fires take place where we live —where we breathe. Their smoke also tends to hang around for hours.

Unfortunately, even when burning “clean” waste like untreated wood and yard debris, no kind of combustion is entirely safe. Worse, so much of today’s trash contains dyes, inks, household chemicals, plastics and more. An example: burning trash which contains #3 plastic (that’s PVC) will release hydrogen chloride in the smoke. In your lungs, this can form hydrochloric acid and cause fluid to build up, possibly causing ulcers in your respiratory tract.

Most backyard fires also tend to be very smoky. This is caused by burning wet materials like leaves or grass, or by starving the fire of oxygen. It also means the fire is burning less hot than possible thus releasing more harmful particulates and gases. Particulates, you will recall, are microscopic bits which get inhaled into the deepest reaches of our lungs, often carrying with them other pollutants. Particulates are associated with all sorts of health problems from coughing and runny nose to bronchitis, asthma and emphysema.

Smoke also contains gases and noxious substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, dioxins, furans… a real chemistry set of unpleasant, dangerous things. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in smoke are associated with respiratory irritation and illness, and some such as benzene cause cancer.

Regulating burning is mostly a municipal matter, although provincial regulations do control slash or land clearing fires and mandate the use of CSA-approved, low-emission wood burning stoves and fireplace insets. Local regulations tend to be in place for fire protection and are not aimed at protecting air quality.

Knowing all this, what can you do about it? As much as possible, avoid burning altogether. Compost and mulch organic materials, and use local recycling services. Yard trimmings and grass clippings can be composted and branches and twigs can be chipped. Since not many of us own a chipper, consider renting one locally —do it with your neighbours to share the cost. Make an afternoon event out of it.

If you must burn, consider these tips to minimize the impact on the quality of your air:

• Don’t burn when smoke will be trapped in the area. It will build up on cold, calm, clear nights and during windless, overcast weather.
• Burn efficiently. Light a quick-burning, hot fire that produces minimal smoke (lots of oxygen, no wet materials).
• Don’t burn garbage, plastics, cardboard, paper… reduce or recycle, or both.
• Never burn toxic materials: find out about what’s recyclable from your local recycling service or the BC Recycling Hotline (1-800-667-4321).
Now that you know about the impact your little backyard fire can have, the scene we set earlier is not quite as romantic, is it? If in doubt, do it for your neighbours, and hope they do it for you, too. If you are interested in community action on this issue, please check out C.L.E.A.R.’s (Community Lobbying for Environmental and Atmospheric Recovery) website www.toffan.com/clear