Cantabrians whose homes have old-style wood burners face fines if they use them this winter.
It will be the first time since the Canterbury earthquakes that the regional council will enforce the ban. The council estimates this type of wood burner could be in as many as 8000 homes.
The council's commissioner, David Bedford, says teams will use thermal imaging technology to check chimneys as homes with old burners are targeted from May.
Fines will be used as a last resort, he says. Exemptions may be made for homeowners still struggling with quake repairs, and they should contact the council.
