Why the “Approved Fuel” Label Matters – and What It Means in a Smoke Control Area

What is a Smoke Control Area?

If you live in a designated smoke control area (SCA), you must follow specific rules when burning fuel in a chimney or appliance. According to government guidance on smoke control areas, smoke must not be released from a chimney within an SCA. You may only burn authorised fuel, unless you are using a Defra-approved (exempt) appliance designed to burn unauthorised fuels without producing excess smoke.

You can check whether your home is in a smoke control area through your local council or by using the DEFRA interactive map at uk-air.defra.gov.uk.

What Are the Penalties for Not Complying?

Burning unauthorised fuel in a non-approved appliance within a smoke control area can result in penalties. Government guidance states that:

• You may be fined up to £300 if your chimney produces smoke in a smoke control area.
• You may be fined up to £1,000 for buying unauthorised fuel to burn in an appliance that is not Defra-approved.

These rules are not new, but the increase in enforcement means it is more important than ever to ensure you are burning compliant fuel.

How Does That Affect You — and How Peak Logs Helps

For homeowners and businesses heating their space with wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or log burners, choosing approved fuel is essential in ensuring legal compliance and avoiding fines. Here’s how Peak Logs supports you:

• We supply approved fuel that meets authorised fuel standards suitable for smoke control areas.
• Using our fuel helps ensure you remain compliant in smoke control areas without uncertainty.
• Our sustainably sourced logs are low-moisture and ready to burn efficiently and cleanly.

Tips for Burning Responsibly (and Legally)

• Check whether your postcode falls within a smoke control area.
• Ensure your stove or burner is Defra-approved if you intend to burn non-authorised fuel.
• Choose fuel clearly marked as approved or ready-to-burn from a trusted supplier.
• Maintain your log burner or stove for efficient, smoke-free burning.

Why This Matters for Air Quality

Domestic burning can contribute to particulate pollution (PM2.5), which affects air quality and public health. By burning approved fuel correctly, you not only comply with smoke control regulations but also help improve local air quality for your community.

FAQ

• Can I burn wood in a smoke control area?
  Yes, but only if the wood is authorised fuel or burned in a Defra-approved appliance designed to reduce smoke emissions.
• How do I know if my burner is Defra-approved?
  Check the manufacturer’s specifications or refer to the list of exempt appliances on the government website.
• Are Peak Logs products suitable for smoke control areas?
  Yes, our logs meet approved fuel standards and are suitable for use in smoke control areas when used in an appropriate appliance.