Otago residents are getting a warning from the regional council after a spate of toxic burns

Mattresses, plastic bottles tyres and waste oil are among some of the contents found in burn offs through the region.

Otago Regional Council's Principle Investigations Advisor Mark Payne says this practice could release harmful toxins into the environment.

He says those managing these fires and the nearby community will be breathing the toxins, and it's bad for their health.