Homeowner receives fine after their wood burner produces excessive smoke
A homeowner in West Yorkshire recently received a fixed penalty notice after their wood-burning stove was found to have emitted excessive smoke in a smoke control area (SCA). The stove owner was fined £175 following an investigation.
The £175 fine would have followed a verbal discussion and a written warning to the homeowner. Individuals that are fined have access to a full appeals process should they think they were incorrectly fined.
This is the first fine to be issued under the new powers since the changes to legislation in December 2023.
This crackdown on excessive smoke production from wood-burning stoves is designed to help reduce emissions from domestic combustion by deterring poor burning practices.
Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, spoke on BBC Radio Leeds regarding the fine, providing assurance that wood-burning stoves are not being banned and that these fines result from individuals burning the wrong fuels irresponsibly.
“It is about using the right fuel in the right appliance.”
Bruce reiterated the importance of burning responsibly, such as through burning Ready to Burn firewood – wood certified to have a moisture content of 20% or less – and using a modern, efficient log burner.
Listen to the full interview on BBC Radio Leeds, starting from 1:13:15.
The regulations are in place to combat irresponsible burning by deterring the poor practices. By ensuring individuals are using the appropriate fuels in the correct appliances, domestic combustion emissions are significantly reduced.
What causes excessive smoke?
Whilst a variety of things can cause excessive smoke, all the issues stem back to inappropriate or irresponsible burning.
To avoid being fined for producing excessive smoke in your appliance, there are some simple steps you can follow to ensure you are responsibly burning:
- Burn the correct fuel in your log burner, using Ready to Burn firewood when burning wood.
- Do not slumber your stove unless it is specifically designed to do so.
- Store your fuel safely, preventing it from reabsorbing moisture.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The UK government have stated that they have no intention of banning wood burners. These fines are an effective way of discouraging irresponsible burning and deterring poor practices. Burning responsibly in an efficient log burner will allow you to avoid these fines whilst you keep your home warm.
The HETAS Advice Hub has a range of tips to help you burn responsibly and safely.
