What Is a Smoke Control Area?

A Smoke Control Area is a designated zone where it’s an offence to emit smoke from a chimney unless you are:

• Using an exempt appliance (often called “DEFRA-exempt/approved”), or
• Burning an authorised smokeless fuel that produces minimal smoke.

Local authorities declare and manage SCAs to help reduce air pollution and improve public health.

How Do I Check If I’m in a Smoke Control Area?

• Visit your local council’s website and search for “Smoke Control Area” or “smoke control orders”.
• Look for an address or postcode checker and any maps of designated areas.
• If in doubt, contact the council’s Environmental Health team for written confirmation.

Exempt (DEFRA-Approved) Stoves

Only specific stove models are exempt for burning wood in SCAs. Exempt status means the appliance has been officially tested to burn more cleanly with lower smoke emissions when used with the fuels stated in its exemption notice.

• Model-specific: Exemption applies to exact models (and sometimes configurations). Always verify the precise model number.
• Use as instructed: Exemption assumes you use the correct fuel and air settings as per the manufacturer’s manual.
• Multifuel note: A multifuel stove is not automatically exempt; it must be listed as exempt to burn wood in an SCA.

Tip: If your current stove isn’t exempt and you’re in an SCA, you can still operate it using authorised smokeless fuels (not wood), provided the manufacturer permits those fuels.

Authorised (Smokeless) Fuels

Authorised fuels are specifically formulated to burn with very low smoke output. In SCAs, you must use authorised smokeless fuels unless your stove is exempt for burning wood.

• Look for certification: Packaging should clearly state that the fuel is authorised for use in SCAs.
• What’s not allowed: House coal and wet wood are not permitted in SCAs (and are generally discouraged elsewhere for emissions and safety reasons).

“Ready to Burn” & Moisture Content

Across the UK, retail wood fuel must meet quality standards limiting moisture content. Look for the “Ready to Burn” mark indicating logs are < 20% moisture. Burning wet wood causes smoke, soot, and creosote build-up, and can breach local rules.

• Buy certified logs or season your own for 12–24 months in a ventilated log store.
• Use a moisture meter to check logs before burning.

Ecodesign 2022: What It Means

Since 2022, stoves placed on the UK market must meet Ecodesign requirements for efficiency and low emissions. This standard applies to new appliances being sold, not to existing ones in homes, but upgrading can substantially reduce smoke and fuel use.

• Cleaner burn: Modern air systems (secondary/tertiary air) improve combustion and reduce particulates.
• Higher efficiency: You’ll typically use fewer logs for the same heat output.
• Works with SCAs: Ecodesign does not replace exemption—stoves still need to be exempt to burn wood in an SCA.

Homeowner & Landlord Responsibilities

• Correct fuel: Use only fuels permitted in your area and as specified by the stove manufacturer.
• Maintenance: Keep the appliance and flue in safe working order; sweep at least annually (more for heavy use).
• Alarms: Fit and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in the room with the appliance.
• Tenancies: Landlords should provide clear instructions on permitted fuels and maintenance and ensure CO alarms are installed and functioning at start of tenancy.

Smoke Nuisance & Enforcement

Even outside SCAs, councils can act on smoke or odour that causes a statutory nuisance. Within SCAs, burning wood on a non-exempt stove, or using unauthorised fuel, can lead to fines. Repeat or serious breaches may attract higher penalties.

• Good burning practice: Light fires correctly (top-down), use dry fuel, and maintain a bright, clean burn.
• Keep records: If requested, be ready to show fuel receipts or product details (e.g., “Ready to Burn”).

Installation Notes (Recap)

All installations must comply with Building Regulations Part J and are best carried out by a competent, registered installer (e.g., HETAS). Compliance and a certificate of installation are important for safety, insurance, and future property transactions.