Buying guide
Can You Burn Wood in a Smoke Control Area?
Only in a Defra exempt stove. Wood isn't an authorised fuel, so in a smoke control area you can't burn logs on an open fire or in a stove that isn't exempt, although councils allow a little dry kindling to light an authorised fuel. If your stove is exempt, burn only the fuel its exemption names, which is usually wood at 20% moisture or less.
The Logs Local team Kiln-dried logs from our yard in Keighley
In this guide
What can I burn in a smoke control area?
| Appliance | Logs | Authorised smokeless fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Defra exempt wood stove | Yes, as its exemption allows, usually wood at 20% moisture or less | No, a wood-only stove isn't designed for it |
| Stove that isn't exempt | No | Yes, in a multi-fuel stove |
| Open fire | No, apart from a little kindling to light it | Yes |
| Fire pit, chiminea, barbecue or pizza oven outdoors | Not covered by smoke control rules | Not covered by smoke control rules |
Sources: GOV.UK, which says unauthorised fuels such as wood can only be burned in exempt appliances, and that outdoor appliances are fine unless they use a chimney on a roof. Burnright says it is an offence to burn logs on an open fire in these areas.
Can I use kindling on an open fire?
To light an authorised fuel, yes. City of York Council says a small amount of dry wood kindling can be used to light the fire, and Kirklees Council says kindling can be used there too. Check with your own council, as rules can differ.
What happens if I break the rules?
- Smoke from your chimney: a civil penalty of £175 to £300, under the Environment Act 2021. The council sends a notice of intent first, and you have 28 days to object, says the enforcement guidance.
- Buying unauthorised fuel for a stove that isn't exempt: a fine of up to £1,000, GOV.UK says.
- Smoke that bothers neighbours: the council can also use nuisance law, inside a smoke control area or not.
Does the wood need to be Ready to Burn?
All wood sold in units under 2 m³ in England must be certified at 20% moisture or less, GOV.UK says, wherever you live. Most exemptions also state wood at 20% moisture or less. Our logs are kiln dried below 20%. See what is Ready to Burn?.
What changes in York on 1 November 2026?
City of York Council says the whole council area becomes a smoke control area from that date.
- You must not burn wood on an open fire, though a little dry kindling can be used to light it.
- Multi-fuel stoves with ash pans or grates that aren't exempt must switch to authorised smokeless fuel.
- Defra exempt stoves can carry on burning dry wood.
What we tell every customer
In a smoke control area, our logs can only be burned in a Defra exempt stove. If you're not sure whether you're in one, check our council maps before you order.
Questions
Can I burn wood on an open fire in a smoke control area?
No. Only an authorised smokeless fuel, with a little kindling to light it.
Can a multi-fuel stove burn wood in a smoke control area?
Only if Defra lists it as exempt for wood. Otherwise it can burn authorised smokeless fuel only.
Can I use my chiminea or fire pit?
Yes. GOV.UK says outdoor chimineas, fire pits and barbecues can be used in smoke control areas.
How do I know if my stove is exempt?
Search its make and model on Defra's list. See Defra exempt stoves explained.
Back to our wood burner rules guide.
Logs for this guide
Kiln dried below 20% moisture and ready to burn. Add a bag to your cart, then check out as normal.
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Free delivery within 40 miles of our yard
On orders over £75, on weekdays, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Or collect from Farrahs Saw Mill in Keighley.
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