Indoor open fires set to be banned in Auckland

Auckland Regional Council is set to bring in a ban on the installation of domestic indoor open fires in September next year because of the pollutants that are emitted into the air.

However, the ARC's plans have hit a stumbling block with the New Zealand Home Heating Association appealing to the Environment Court.

Association spokesman David Bell says open fires are a way of life in much of New Zealand, and the council is trying to take that away.

He said he hopes 'common sense' will prevail.

- NEWSTALK ZB