RESIDENTS burning rubbish in their backyards have been warned their blatant disregard of the rules will not be tolerated.
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It comes as firefighters respond to a disgruntled neighbour's report of a person setting rubbish alight at an Ashmont property yesterday evening.
A spokesman for Turvey Park Fire and Rescue said backyard burning is an ongoing trend in Wagga, with a separate incident occurring a week prior where a person was caught burning rubbish in a four gallon drum within the city boundary.
He said people choose to ignore the fact that dangerous smoke and particles emitted from the fire could have negative effects on their neighbours.
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"It is not allowed. If you want to dispose of rubbish that is what a council bin is for," he said.
"Burning rubbish such as plastic is toxic. The smell and smoke is harmful to everyone, particularly those with a breathing condition."
According to the state's department of planning, industry and environment website, backyard burning of rubbish is prohibited at all times because it is a major cause of air pollution.
However, it indicates there are certain situations where fires could be lit outside including barbecues and camping.
The Fire and Rescue spokesman reiterated that fires could be set for cooking or recreational purposes, but clean fuels must be used at all times.
He encouraged residents who suspect rubbish is being set alight in their neighbourhood, to report the incident to firefighters.
"We look out for smoke that looks dirty rather than light, white smoke. It usually indicates that something is burning when it shouldn't be," he said.