Having an open fire at home brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia — but if you live in London, you can’t just throw any old log into the grate. Due to the city’s status as a Smoke Control Area, there are strict rules about what you can and can’t burn in an open fire. These rules help reduce air pollution and protect public health, especially during the colder months.
Nearly all of Greater London is designated as a Smoke Control Area under the Clean Air Act. This means you can’t emit visible smoke from a chimney, and you can only burn authorised fuels, or use DEFRA-approved appliances. Breaching these rules can lead to fines of up to £1,000 – not something to take lightly. If you’re unsure if your property is in the Smoke Control Area please contact your council.
So, what is legal (and eco-friendly) to burn in a Smoke Control Area?
In an open fire such as a cast iron insert or a freestanding grate, the only option to burn solid fuel is smokeless coals. Burning logs is only permitted in a DEFRA approved stove. An open solid fuel fire will generate a generous amount of heat however most of it will escape up the chimney. You will also need additional ventilation in the room to ensure sufficient air supply, such as a fixed open wall vent or a floor vent, which can make the room a little draughty.
If you prefer convenience over tending to a fire and cleaning up the ashes, why not consider a coal or a log effect gas fire which will deliver all the ambience at a minimum fuss. Decorative open fronted gas fires below 7kW do not require any additional ventilation and they can be made to measure to suit most cast iron inserts and freestanding grates.
Whether you will be burning smokeless coals or gas, your chimney needs to be in a good working condition so please ensure you get it regularly swept and tested. If your chimney fails a smoke test, you can have it relined to suit either a coal fire or a gas fire or you can opt for a bioethanol burner which does not require any chimney. With its dancing flames and sufficient heat output, bioethanol fires offer a clean and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
For more guidance on fireplace regulations please contact us and visit our showroom to see many live fires on display.