Domestic burning

Domestic burning project

When we talk about domestic burning, we mean indoor burning of solid fuels, such as wood or coal, in stoves and open fireplaces.

Read advice on outdoor domestic burning, including bonfires, barbecues, chimineas and fire-pits.

Using indoor domestic wood and coal burning appliances is a major contributor to particulate matter emissions in the UK.

Air pollution from domestic burning

Particulate matter is made up of small particles that are breathed in and can travel to our lungs and heart and even our brains.

Poor air quality has the biggest impact on children, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Long term exposure can increase respiratory issues and impact lung and cardiovascular function, leading to reduced life expectancy.

Wirral Council supports residents in understanding the health impacts of air pollution. The domestic burning project aims to improve the health outcomes of residents by reducing particulate matter (PM) from domestic burning.

The project is supported with funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Hear from the Wilkes family how they protect themselves and others by following best burning practice:

Advice for residents - Wirral let's burn better

The best way to lower your exposure to air pollution from indoor burning is to stop burning or reduce how often you are burning, and the amount, particularly if your appliance is a secondary source of heating. 

Maintain your appliance 

A well-maintained appliance can improve its performance and efficiency:

  • have your chimney swept at least once a year. Soot and tar can build up over time, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of chimney fires
  • keep your appliance clean and check for any cracks in firebricks or any gaps in the seal around the stove door
  • ensure you have a working carbon monoxide monitor
  • buy the right appliance. On 1 January 2022, Ecodesign regulations came into force which means stoves sold after this date need to be Ecodesign, showing that they meet set criteria for efficiency and emissions. If you are buying a new appliance, look for one that is Ecodesign or is DEFRA approved
  • use approved suppliers. HETAS is a non-profit organisation that work within the wood-burning industry. They have accreditation schemes for customers to find a HETAS approved retailer, installer, chimney sweeps or maintenance professional

Burn the correct fuel 

Wet wood produces more smoke and harmful particles that can impact your health and also damage your indoor burning appliance:

  • use dry logs. The moisture content of wood needs to be 20% or less before it is burned. If you’re buying logs, look out for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo, or ensure you dry out wet logs for 1-2 years, it’s worth investing in a low cost moisture meter
  • if you don’t have a moisture meter, there are signs to see if logs are dry. Dry wood is lighter in colour and weight and will have loose bark. This guide from Forestry Commission England has further information on how to choose and dry wood for burning
  • store your firewood in a dry area, away from rain, snow, and other elements that can cause it to become damp
  • don’t burn waste. Burning household waste and furniture releases harmful toxins. Use the appropriate waste disposal methods rather than burning

Johnny from local fireplace company, Fireside by Design, offers expert advice on what to look for when buying fuel or logs and useful resources:

Smoke Control Area

Much of Wirral is covered by a Smoke Control Area.

This means that in a smoke control area:

  • you cannot release smoke from a chimney (outside of the 30-minute lighting up period)
  • you can only burn authorised fuel, unless you use an appliance approved by Defra (also known as an ‘exempt appliance’ or ‘Defra approved appliance’)

In England you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your chimney releases smoke in a smoke control area.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you buy unauthorised fuel to use in an appliance that’s not approved by Defra.

Check authorised fuels in England

Check if your appliance is exempt

View Smoke Control Areas in Wirral