Why do I need a DEFRA Approved Clean Burn Stove?

Many areas of the UK (especially around major cities but not only) are designated as Smoke Control Areas. In these "smokeless" areas it is only allowed to burn approved solid fuels. Moreover, these approved solid fuels, as wood, must be burnt using DEFRA Approved Clean Burn Stoves.

Breaking the law by burning wood in fireplaces and stoves which aren't DEFRA Approved Clean Burn, can be very expensive – the current maximum level of fine is £1000 for each use.

What happens if my stove isn't a DEFRA Approved Clean Burn Stove?

Breaking the law by burning wood in fireplaces and stoves which aren't using DEFRA Approved Clean Burn can be very expensive – the current maximum level of fine is £1000 for each offence

What does DEFRA stand for?

The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

DEFRA's website: http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/

How do I know if I live in a Smoke Control area?

To find out if you live in a Smoke Control use visit:

http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/locations.php 

Aren't all stoves "Clean Burn" stoves?

No they are not. To gain this approval such stoves have to undergo testing. Some models of stoves are offered in both standard wood-burning and clean burn version, however you must make sure that you buy the DEFRA 

Can I burn coal in Smoke Control Areas?

No. Unprocessed coal is not an approved fuel for Smoke Control areas. If you want to burn solid fuel, you will find a list of approved types of Processed Solid Fuel on the DEFRA's website at: http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels.php