Smoke control zones: explained
Reduce the harm to your environment with smokeless fuels
Promoting sustainability and caring for the environment is at the forefront of everything we do. We want to inspire our customers to make small changes to the way they live, so that they can enjoy better homes and healthier lifestyles.
As part of this initiative, we are proud to be part of the Ready to Burn scheme. We want to encourage you to buy smokeless fuels, so we can reduce the harmful impact of smoke emissions.
After the introduction of the Clean Air act, many parts of the UK are now smoke control areas. This means you can’t emit smoke from a chimney unless you’re burning an authorised fuel or using ‘exempt appliances’, for example burners or stoves. If you are caught burning unauthorised fuels in a smoke control area, you could face a hefty fine of up to £1,000.
In a smoke control area, you can only burn fuels that are on the list of authorised fuels, RTB (Ready to burn) wood or ‘smokeless’ fuels, unless you’re using an exempt appliance, such as, anthracite, semi-anthracite, gas or low volatile steam coal. Burning RTB wood and smokeless fuels on any appliance, regardless of whether or not you are in a smoke control zone, will have a substantial impact on improving air quality.
DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) has put together a list of authorised fuels and exempt appliances, which may vary depending on your whereabouts in the UK. To find out which fuels you can burn if you reside in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, have a look on their webpage.
If you’re not located in a smoke control zone, it should still be in your best interest to help the environment by opting for smokeless fuels. The Government is seeking to encourage retailers and consumers to switch to smokeless fuels and RTB wood or manufactured logs, regardless of their residential location. By making small changes, we can collectively make a big difference to the world we live in, and the quality of air that we breathe.
We stock a range of smokeless fuels, kindling and fire logs at B&Q. See our list below for a brief overview of what you can buy, along with their features and benefits. RTB wood and smokeless fuels are the same price, or sometimes even cheaper than regular fuels, so there’s no reason not to buy them!
Ecoal Smokeless Solid Fuel
Recommended for getting your fire off to a roaring start, Ecoal50 is a revolutionary smokeless coal which is produced from 50% renewable materials and a blend of naturally smokeless mineral fuels. It burns 38% hotter than house coal, lasts significantly longer and emits up to 40% less carbon dioxide than house coal. This revolutionary fuel emits 80% less smoke than house coal so can be used in all parts of the UK including smokeless zones.
Homefire Ecoal Smokeless Solid Fuel
This solid fuel is easy to use, quick and convenient with no need for kindling or firelighters. It is recommended for open fires and multi-fuel stoves, burns 38% hotter than house coal and lasts significantly longer. It uses less fuel to achieve the same heat output, which means less refuelling.
To use, simply light the bag with a match. All of our Ecoal emits 80% less smoke than house coal so can be used in all parts of the UK including smokeless zones.
Homefire Heat Logs
Made from 100% recycled wood, these Homefire heat logs provide an ultra-high energy output. With no additives or chemicals, these logs make the perfect fuel for those looking to reduce their impact on the environment. Providing a great alternative to standard seasoned firewood, they’re also 100% clean with no additives or chemicals – just compressed wood and waste sawdust! Certified as dried to less than 20% moisture content, and less moisture means it burns hotter. Ideal for open fires, multi-fuel stoves and chimeneas.
Homefire Kindling Pack
This premium dry kindling wood comes from a sustainable source, and helps to ensure that the fuel lights and the fire gets off to the best possible start. It comes in a water-resistant plastic bag which keeps the dampness out and ensures that your kindling is easy to store. This product has a low impact on the environment, as trees are replanted or allowed to regenerate naturally. Suitable for use on open fires, in stoves, boilers and barbecues.
Grape Seed Logs
Made from 100% compressed grape seed, our Grape Seed Fire Logs are an environmentally friendly option perfect for both barbecues and fireplaces. These logs are clean burning and produce little ash, but you can still expect a high energy heat output. No chemicals or binding agents are used in these logs and best of all, no trees were cut down to create them.
To find out whether you’re living in a smoke control area, you will need to get in touch with your local council.
Remember, whether you live in a smoke control zone or not, YOU can help to improve our air quality and the state of the environment by choosing smokeless fuels and RTB wood.