Confused about the UK smoke control areas and how they affect You?
If you live in a smoke control area and use a home fire then you should already know how it affects you. If you don’t, or you are unclear about the laws and regulations then this guide is for you. We will take a closer look at what a smoke control area is and how it affects operating a home fire if you live in one of these areas.
Table of Contents
What is a smoke control area?
A smoke control area is a designated area where the burning of certain fuels and home fire appliances such as wood burning stoves are restricted. It is enforced by local authorities to reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas. The Clean Air Act 1956 first established smoke control areas in the UK, then the environment Act 2021 went further to prohibit the sale or use of fuels that emit substantial smoke from a chimney in a smoke control area.
The main aim of a smoke control area is to reduce the amount of harmful particles that are released into the air from domestic fires and other sources such as industrial processes. In these areas, only specific types of fuels can be used in open fires or stoves which meet particular requirements for efficiency and low emissions. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines of upto £1000 or legal proceedings.
If you live in a smoke control area, it’s important to be aware of the restrictions on fuel usage and appliance type.
Do I live in a smoke control area?
Most of the smoke control areas are centered on major UK cities with the densest populations, inlcudng: London, Birmingham, Manchester & Liverpool. There are many others smoke control areas across the UK, If you are not sure where you live is located within a smoke control area then you can contact your local council to find out. They will be able to tell you if your home falls within a designated smoke control area, and what restrictions apply. https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
You can also use the UK Government’s Smoke Control Areas in England and Wales interactive map to find out. Map of UK smoke control areas.
What can I burn in a smoke control area?
In a smoke control area, you are only allowed to burn DEFRA approved smokeless fuels such as anthracite, semi-anthracite, briquettes or manufactured smokeless fuel such as heat logs. All other fuels, such as coal, are not allowed to be burned.
DEFRA approved fuels are fuels that have been tested and verified by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in the UK. They are typically smokeless fuels that have been tested to meet strict environmental standards. These fuels are generally more expensive than traditional fuels, but they produce fewer emissions and are better for the environment.
You can find a full list of approved fuels for the UK smoke control areas on the DEFRA website:
If you have a DEFRA Approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove, you can burn firewood that is dry and seasoned with a moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke. You cannot burn wood such as old pallets or fencing which will release dark smoke and toxins. To find out if your wood burner or multi-fuel stove is DEFRA approved you can check here: https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/appliances.php.
Remember!! If you are found to be burning an unauthorised fuel in smoke control area, you can be fined up to £1,000. Additionally, you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your local council decides your chimney releases too much smoke!
Where can I buy DEFRA approved fuels?
If you live in a smoke control area and enjoy having a home fire, then getting DEFRA approved fuels can get a bit tricky! Some supermarkets or petrol stations stock smokeless coals but when the temperature plummets these tend to sell out quick. Also you will often find the bags holding the smokeless coals or heat logs split which makes them nightmare to transport and store.
Luckily this is why this website was created! You can get smokeless coal and heat logs delivered right to your door, avoiding split bags getting coal dust all over your car and clothing. Visit our shop where you can find DEFRA approved fuels.
Frequently asked questions about smoke control areas
What is a Smoke Control Area?
What fuels are prohibited in Smoke Control Areas?
You can find a full list of approved fuels for England on the DEFRA website: https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels.php?country=england.
What are the penalties for burning prohibited fuels in a Smoke Control Area?
If you are found to be burning an unauthorised fuel, you can be fined up to £1,000. Additionally, in England you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your local council decides your chimney releases too much smoke!
Are there any exemptions from the Smoke Control Area rules?
How can I find out if I live in a Smoke Control Area?
The best way to find out if you live in a Smoke Control Area is to contact your local authority. They will be able to provide you with information about local air quality and the restrictions that apply. You can find the contact information for you local council here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
You can also use the UK Government’s Smoke Control Areas in England and Wales interactive map to find out. Map of UK smoke control areas.
Can I use my wood burning stove in smoke control area?
If you have a DEFRA Approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove, you can burn firewood that is dry and seasoned with a moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke. You cannot burn wood such as old pallets or fencing which will release dark smoke and toxins. To find out if you wood burner or multi-fuel stove is DEFRA approved you can check here: https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/appliances.php.
Useful Links
Contact your local council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Interactive map showing the smoke control areas: Map of UK smoke control areas
list of approved fuels for smoke control areas: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Find out if your stove is DEFRA approved: https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/appliances.php
Written by Murray Price
I am passionate about environmental protection and believe that everyone should do their part to reduce their impact on the environment. Through the smokeless coal website, I want to make it easier for people to make the switch to smokeless fuels, which can help reduce air pollution and improve public health.
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