Indoor and outdoor fires
Burning of any kind produces tiny particles (known as particulate matter or PM) which can cause damage to lungs and other organs, causing harm to your health. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have launched guidance for best burning practices to improve the air we all breathe and to reduce the amount of pollution we produce.
Outdoor burning
Burning any material outside can cause air pollution. If you decide to burn outdoors, you must not:
- burn waste that can cause pollution or can harm your health or that of others
- allow smoke to drift across the highway
- produce smoke that will interfere with others living nearby
Information published by DEFRA on reducing air pollution from outdoor burning gives information about the air quality impact of outdoor burning to help reduce emissions. It also details how we can reduce the risk of wildfires.
Indoor burning
DEFRA have produced guidance and educational materials for people with a stove or open fire. This tells people what actions they can take to reduce the amount of the smallest, most harmful particles (PM2.5) they produce.
To reduce emissions, you should:
- Check it – get your stove checked, serviced, and cleaned regularly
- Sweep it – have you chimney swept at least once a year
- Feed it – use the correct ‘ready to burn’ fuels
Burning fuels with the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo, appointed by DEFRA, means you can be confident you are choosing the cleanest available fuels, and are reducing the risk of air pollution to you and your family.