Smoke control areas and log burners

Sunderland has been declared a Smoke Control Area Under the Clean Air Act.  

In a smoke control area you can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuel (opens new window), unless you are using a DEFRA exempt appliance (opens new window) that can burn unauthorised fuels. DEFRA exempt stoves are built to stop wood from smoldering, which reduces the amount of smoke released by the stove. 

People who break these rules can face financial penalties of up to £1000.  

You can explore the Smoke Control Areas in the UK on the DEFRA UK air interactive map (opens new window).  

For more information on Smoke control areas: the rules click here (opens new window) 

Outdoor barbecues, chimineas, fireplaces or pizza ovens are ok to use however if any of these appliances that release smoke through a chimney of a building - for example, a summerhouse, you can only burn authorised fuel or the appliance must be exempt.