Smoke control areas: the rules
Many parts of the UK are smoke control areas where you can’t emit smoke from a chimney unless you’re burning an authorised fuel or using ‘exempt appliances’, for example burners or stoves.
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you break the rules.
Find out if you live in a smoke control area
Contact your local council to see if you live in a smoke control area. The environmental services department will be able to help you.
What you can burn in smoke control areas
In a smoke control area you can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels, or any of the following ‘smokeless’ fuels, unless you’re using an exempt appliance:
anthracite
semi-anthracite
gas
low volatile steam coal
Oil and kindling
You can use oil or other liquid fuels in specially designed or adapted fireplaces.
Kindling can sometimes be used but ask your council because there are different rules in different areas.
Exempt appliances that can burn unauthorised fuels
Unauthorised fuels, such as wood, can only be burned in exempt appliances such as some boilers, cookers and stoves.
You must only use the types of fuel that the manufacturer says can be used in the appliance.
Outdoor ovens, burners and barbecues
You can use outdoor barbecues, chimineas, fireplaces or pizza ovens.
Any of these appliances that release smoke through a chimney of a building - for example a summerhouse - can only burn authorised fuel or must be exempt.