18/09/2026
TRUE OR FALSE? đ€
Smoke control area? That doesnât automatically mean you canât have a fire.
The rules are actually about two things: the appliance youâre using and the fuel youâre burning.
If youâre using an open fire or a non-exempt appliance in a smoke control area, you generally need to burn an authorised fuel, such as approved smokeless fuels. You canât simply burn ordinary logs.
However, if you have a DEFRA-exempt appliance, certain unauthorised fuels, including wood, can be burned. The important bit is that the appliance must specifically be approved for that fuel, and you should always follow the manufacturerâs instructions.
đȘ” If youâre burning wood, make sure youâre using suitable dry wood. In England, small-volume domestic wood sales must be certified as âReady to Burnâ, meaning the wood meets the required moisture standard.
Wood can often be free too! Donât think you have to spend a lot to get your home all cozy đ„°