Domestic burning project
When we talk about domestic burning, we mean indoor wood burning stoves and open fireplaces, or outdoor chimineas and bonfires.
Using domestic wood and coal burning appliances is the largest 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
This is how to lower the risk domestic burning has on your health:
- 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.
- Store your firewood in a dry area, away from rain, snow, and other elements that can cause it to become damp.
- 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.
- Don’t burn waste. Burning household waste and furniture releases harmful toxins. Use the appropriate waste disposal methods rather than burning.
- 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 a 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.
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