Smoke Control Areas

Nearly all stoves sold in the UK today are DEFRA approved and compliant. With the exception of simple pot bellied stoves and single chamber incinerators. Open fires are not classified as appliances therefore all fuel burnt on a open fire in a smokeless zone must adhere to approved fuel types below. Gas and Oil Fired appliances (including boilers) are exempt from these controls.

Approved Certified Fuels:

A full list of certified fuels approved for use in smoke control areas is available on the DEFRA website - Fuels - Defra, UK

Wood:

Must be burnt in an 'approved appliance' however wood kindling is acceptable in open fires. Approved appliances are stoves/small wood incinerators that have been tested to comply with British standard PD 6434 and British Standard 3841 Part 2. As mentioned above the majority of modern appliances in the UK are compliant but if you would like to check yours then the list can be obtained from the DEFRA website - Appliances - Defra, UK

DEFRA have produced a series of guides to raise awareness of actions that householders can take to reduce their impact on their health and air quality from domestic burning. These include advice on choosing the right stove, using the right fuels, maintenance and Smoke Control Area Rules and can be accessed via the following links:

• Open fires and wood burning stoves – a practical guide
• Smoke Control Areas: Do you know the rules?
• How to get the most from your stove or open fire - A guide to buying, storing and seasoning wood

Further information is available from the following websites:

• Ready to Burn
• Burn right
• Which - Wood burning stoves advice guides
• Which - Best fuel for your wood burning stove 
• Woodsure
• Stove Industry Alliance