Many parts of the UK are smoke control areas where you can't emit smoke from a chimney unless you're burning an authorised fuel or using exempt appliances, eg burners or stoves.
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you break the rules.
Find out if you live in a smoke control area
Go to our interactive map to find out if your property or business is in a smoke control area.
What you can burn in smoke control areas
In a smoke control area you can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels, or any of the following 'smokeless' fuels, unless you're using an exempt appliance:
- anthracite
- semi-anthracite
- gas
- low volatile steam coal
Exempt appliances that can burn unauthorised fuels
Unauthorised fuels, such as wood, can be burned in exempt appliances such as some boilers, cookers and stoves.
You must only use the types of fuel that the manufacturer says can be used in the appliance.
Outdoor ovens, burners and barbecues
You can use outdoor barbecues, chimineas, fireplaces or pizza ovens.
Any of these appliances that release smoke through a chimney of a building - for example, a summerhouse, can only burn authorised fuel or must be exempt.
Garden bonfires
You're allowed garden bonfires in smoke control areas but you need to follow the rules on bonfires.
