UK households with a log burner face £300 fine over rule they're 'unaware of'

UK households with a log burner could face £300 fines for a law they "are unaware of". Experts have sounded the alarm over the prospect of fines for breaking log burner rules as snowfall looks set to return to the UK on November 22 and November 23.

John Cutts, expert at MeandMyGlass.co.uk said: “Many log burner owners are unaware of the recent implications of clean air regulations. If they’re not followed correctly, thousands of Brits could face large fines and even a criminal conviction.

“The regulations state that owners are to face penalties for using wood-burning stoves which don’t meet the UK’s standard for emissions. Not only do people have to be aware of the type of log burner they’re using, but also the material being burned on it. Using the wrong log burner and materials will result in a hefty penalty."

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The current limit on the amount of smoke your chimney can produce in a Smoke Control Area is 5g per hour, plus 0.5g for each kW of your stove's heat output. However, there are plans to reduce this limit to 3g per hour, although when this will happen is not yet confirmed.

These rules mean that only some people with a wood-burning stove or open fire will pay a fine for using it. Most modern wood burners available are DEFRA-approved, so many stove owners do not need to worry.

John said: “The regulations encourage owners to switch to more eco-friendly alternatives, so we strongly advise all log burner owners to be cautious of the materials they’re using on the stove. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the materials being used adhere to the guidelines and that any stoves with glass doors are still fit to function without any cracks that could lead to fumes escaping from the burner.”