Consumers reminded to check legal requirements before burning wood this winter

Residents across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to check that fuels they use in open fires and stoves comply with laws that reduce the risk of air pollution from wood burning.

Burning wood and other solid fuels can emit dangerous pollution inside and outside of the home and councils can now enforce against burning of unauthorised materials in designated smoke control areas, of which one is the city of Bath, under the Environment Act.

It is illegal to burn smoky fuels such as wood and coal in an open fireplace or in a non-approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove in the Smoke Control Area.

The council can take enforcement action of a £175 fine for a first offence, increasing to £300 for each subsequent offence.

Residents can find the cleanest fuels to burn at home by looking for Ready to Burn certification when buying products which ensures that logs, briquettes, and kindling have a moisture content of 20% or less.

The council has recently written to local traders to remind them about the mandatory certification needed when selling this type of product.

Bonfires are not included in the Environment Act legislation for wood burning, however the council can still take action if a bonfire causes a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Sustainable B&NES, said: “We know that many residents use indoor fires and wood burners, especially as the colder months approach. While we’re not telling people not to burn at all, it’s important that everyone is aware of how to do so safely and legally.

“Particulate matter can travel through the air over long distances and burning the right fuels helps protect air quality and our health across Bath and North East Somerset, as well as in the Smoke Control Area, and ensures compliance with the law. There is no proven safe level of air pollution and it is invisible, so the more we can collectively do to reduce emissions, the better.”

Visit the council’s indoor fires and wood burning webpage for guidance on safe burning and to make sure the right products are purchased from reputable sources.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs provides a list of exempt appliances. 

Use the council’s Energy at Home service to enquire about financial assistance to make energy efficiency improvements to homes.