Getting the correct fuel for your fire or solid fuel stove

If you have ever lived next door to someone who burns the wrong type of fuel, you will undoubtedly sympathise with those who have made complaints recently about the level of pollution they seem to be expected to endure.

Conversely, should your neighbour burn their solid fuel responsibly, you would never know they are burning anything at all.

One of our clients just happens to be flanked by neighbours who occupy both ends of the solid fuel burning spectrum. Neighbour number one burns well-seasoned wood, and one would not know they are actually burning anything at all. The other neighbour is burning something that fills the air with smoke and large to minute black flakes and particles that seem to stick to windows, conservatory roofs and settle on windowsills. It really is anyone's guess as to what they are burning, but one thing is for certain, it is causing a fair degree of bad feeling with other residents in the neighbourhood.

Surely a complaint would rectify wrong fuel issues.

Not necessarily! As it stands, not one prosecution for illegal wood burning has been made in the past year, despite 15,195 complaints being submitted across England.

Freedom of information requests have shown that just twenty-four fines were issued by local authorities between September 2024 and August 2025.

In smoke control areas alone, 9,274 complaints were made, and this is a 65% increase on the previous year. In these areas, households may burn wood or other fuels, but only if they use stoves that have been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that have been designed to limit harmful emissions.

Under the Environment Act 2021, fines can be issued for violating rules, including a £300 fine for smoke-emitting chimneys, or a £1,000 fine for using unauthorised fuel in unapproved appliances.

The highest numbers of complaints were reported in Swale in Kent, Birmingham, Manchester, Wakefield, and Dorset, though most councils issued few or no penalties.

Why the sudden increase in complaints about wood burning?

Many sources believe the massive increase in complaints with regard to solid fuel or wood burning in domestic premises is simply a reaction to the cost-of-living crisis. Many people are too scared to put their central heating on, so have either had a solid fuel stove fitted or have resurrected their old open fireplace, which may have been the place where a vase of dried flowers have been displayed for many years.

Maybe there is a supply and demand issue, where wood suppliers have been increasing their prices for wood, forcing some to source their wood from other places. This could be from foraging in parks and woodland or burning other spare or scrap wood that is not suitable for heating purposes due to it being smothered in treatments or lacquers.

Foraging for wood to burn

Foraging for firewood is generally not legal in the United Kingdom without permission. This may sound ridiculous if there is a fallen tree in a piece of woodland for example. Many believe that they would be doing the local authority a favour by taking it away, but beware! Many felled or naturally fallen trees are left in situ to create safe havens for insects and fungi to flourish. The biodiversity around fallen and rotting vegetation is not to be underestimated.

One should also bear in mind that by taking wood from even a public park, one could still be accused and charged with theft by finding. This is much the same as on private property, whereby the collecting of wood from private land without permission is considered theft under the Theft Act 1968.

Crown Land dictates that collecting firewood will require explicit permission.

Scavenging Permits are available in some areas, and you may apply for a scavenging permit to collect insignificant amounts of wood.

Whereas foraging for wood from Commons is limited and requires specific historical rights.

It is absolutely vital to respect the land and its inhabitants by obtaining the necessary permissions before foraging for firewood. Foraging is a rewarding activity, but it must be done legally and responsibly.

Many people find that landscape gardeners or garden maintenance workers often have access to substantial amounts of wood, but this must be properly seasoned prior to burning.

What about government legislation?

Interestingly, the previous government promised in its 2022 environmental improvement plan to tighten emission limits for new stoves in smoke control areas, but legislation has not yet been introduced. A promised review of the plan, confirmed early this year, remains unpublished.

The correct fuel to burn in an open fire

The best way to avoid complaints and potential fines is to always use the correct fuel that is intended for open fires or solid fuel stoves. When selecting the correct fuel for an open fire, it is essential to consider the type of wood or coal that will provide the best heat output and smoke control.

When selecting wood for wood burning stoves, use wood with a moisture content below 20%. This ensures optimal combustion and reduces the risk of creosote buildup in the chimney. Moisture testing devices are cheap and readily available.

When choosing coal for open fires, use smokeless fuel or house coal. Smokeless fuels burn hotter and for longer, reducing the need for frequent refuelling. House coal is suitable for open fires but should be used in areas where smoke regulations are in place.

Moisture content is an important consideration. Ensure the fuel is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of twenty percent or less to achieve the best burn. Build up a good supply of wood, stored correctly outside, covered with good air circulation and you will always be able to rotate your supply, knowing it is safe to burn.

Always ensure that you use fuels that do not produce excessive smoke to prevent chimney fires and maintain a clean chimney.

Reduce your environmental impact by choosing wood or coal that is sourced sustainably to minimise environmental impact.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your open fire burns efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Always consult with a professional if you are unsure about the best fuel for your specific situation.

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Why not call Ansell Chimneys now for a free quote

If you would like to know more or are interested in a quote we would be happy to help. Phone us on 01923 661 614, email us at info@ansellchimneys.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.