The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is reminding people to use its Pollution Hotline to report environmental issues such as smoke from burn-offs, rather than posting on social media.
ORC director of environmental monitoring and operations Scott MacLean says people have been posting complaints about smoke and ash on social media.
MacLean says seven complaints relating to a Lake Hawea subdivision fire had been logged with the pollution hotline and ORC environmental services staff followed up with site visits on at least three occasions.
MacLean asks people to phone the 0800 number (0800 8000 33) instead of posting on Facebook.
Video made by the Otago Daily Times with support from New Zealand On Air.
