Are Log Burners Being Banned in the UK?

Article first published May 2021, updated January 2025.

A few years ago, DEFRA started implementing changes from their Clean Air Strategy and since then, we've been bombarded with sensational headlines from tabloid newspapers declaring that log burners 'might' be banned and that owners are going to receive huge fines for burning the wrong fuel.

We're taking a step back from dramatic clickbait and giving you the facts and what the changes actually mean to you.

No, log burners aren't being banned in the UK in 2025 and there are currently no plans to ban log burners in the UK in the future.

DEFRA's Environmental Plan, published in February 2023 very clearly states:

"We are not considering a ban on domestic burning in England. The UK government recognises that some households are reliant on solid fuel burning as a primary source for heating, hot water and cooking, with this in mind government is not seeking to ban burning. A ban on domestic outdoor burning (bonfires, barbecues, firepits etc.) would also be considered disproportionate"

This statement hopefully provides some reassurance to log burner owners and clarifies that the government does not intend to ban log burners or any other domestic wood burning.

There were some changes to the law around log burners in new build houses in Scotland in 2024, but these were quickly rescinded. You can read more about that here:

Particulate matter can cause health problems like asthma and heart disease so it’s important to keep levels low. Smoke caused by burning wood contains PM and in general, the more smoke your fire emits, the higher the levels of PM.

The latest UK government figures suggest that 38% of the PM in our atmosphere is from domestic wood burning. This figure is disputed by the industry as it’s based on questionable data, but whatever the real number, if we’re burning firewood, we should be trying to reduce the amount of particulate matter we’re sending into the atmosphere.

By burning properly kiln-dried wood below 20% moisture and using Ecodesign Ready stoves, us log burner owners can significantly cut our emissions and still enjoy our stoves responsibly.

Log burners are not dangerous to health if you use them properly and burn the right firewood! To minimise pollution from your log burner: 

1. Use a properly fitted Ecodesign Ready stove which can halve the PM emissions compared to an inefficient, older stove. 
2. If you have an older, stove, don't over-use the air controls as closing them fully can cause your fire to smoulder which isn't good for air quality! Read more about that in the Dos and Don't of Using Your Log Burner
3. Only burn properly kiln-dried hardwood with less than 20% moisture. Dry wood typically emits around half of the PM when compared to wet wood, so make sure you buy your firewood from a reputable, trusted supplier, and buy a moisture meter if you have any doubts.
4. It goes without saying, but burning anything that has been treated (like old furniture or fence panels) is a massive no-no. Not only do they burn badly, but they can emit toxic pollutants into your home and the environment. Just don’t do it.

There are irresponsible log burner owners out there who burn wet wood and coal, causing higher levels of pollution, but we shouldn't tar all log burner owners with the same brush!

It's much better to educate people on the best wood to burn, the proper way to burn it and how to use their log burner properly to reduce emissions, than banning log burners altogether!

If you already owned a log burner or open fireplace and bought properly dried wood, not much has changed! Here's what you need to know:

1. There are regulations in Smoke Controlled Areas which say that wood can only be burnt in DEFRA Smoke Control Exempt Appliances. These are log burners which have an internal mechanism to prevent the flow of air to the fire being stopped completely, which prevents the fire smouldering and producing too much smoke. If you already have a DEFRA Exempt appliance - good news, you can keep burning kiln-dried wood.
2. Since 2022, all new stoves sold in England have to meet these same standards, which is great for anyone thinking about buying one. They’re less smoky and your fuel burns more efficiently so you use less of it. 
3. Don’t worry if you already owned a log burner or open fireplace though, there aren’t any plans to force you to upgrade or change your model.
4. If your appliance is not exempt and you live in a Smoke Controlled Area, you'll need to switch to a 'smokeless fuel'
5. There have also been changes to the type of wood that can be sold, in the hope of preventing the most polluting fuels from being burned. Here’s a handy infographic from the DEFRA report.

Since May 2021, wet wood can't be sold in quantities smaller than 2 cubic metres.

Previously, plenty of garden centres sold bags of wet wood which needed to be seasoned for 1-2 years before use. The reality is that most people didn't do that and burned (or attempted to burn) the wet wood. Wet wood doesn’t burn well and emits a lot of smoke and therefore a lot of PM. Customers with lots of space who want to buy more than 2 cubic metres to season at home can still do so.

If you’re already buying kiln-dried or properly seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content, you’re doing a great job – keep it up!

The best place to check is the DEFRA Interactive Smoke Control Map

The best wood to burn in your log burner to minimise smoke and maximise heat is hardwood, such as oak or beech, which has been kiln-dried to below 20% moisture.

Need a reliable source of kiln-dried logs for your log burner?

Love Logs deliver manageable quantities of British kiln-dried logs everywhere in the UK and it's free to most postcodes when you spend over £30. 

We'd love it if you shared it with your fellow log burner enthusiasts!