Can I use wood or fuel burning stoves ?

Are you in a smoke control area?

In some areas of the UK you can only emit smoke from a chimney when you are burning an authorised fuel or using an exempt appliance.

There is no smoke control area in place within Hastings, however we would strongly advise only burning untreated, dry wood.

If you burn treated, wet or recently felled wood there is a chance the fire could cause excessive smoke and odour which could cause a nuisance to your neighbours.

Advice on preventing nuisance to your neighbours

It is important to prevent smoke problems to neighbours by:

• ensuring proper installation
• using the correct fuel
• carefully managing operation of the stove

Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs have a practical guide to open fires and wood-burning stoves you can read here.

Ensure proper insulation

Incorrectly installed stoves and flues can lead to fires or dangerous gases entering the house potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning or death. It is therefore in your own interest, as well as your neighbours, to ensure the correct installation.

You should ensure that your fitter is appropriately accredited.

Using the correct fuel

Only use well-seasoned dry wood. Wet or green wood will cause unnecessary smoke and may lead to complaints from surrounding properties. Logs that are not dry provide a fire that smoulders and creates a lot of tar and smoke.

Do not burn household rubbish or plastics as these may contain harmful pollutants.

Do not use treated wood products such as old fence posts or chipboard. These contain glues and chemicals that will cause fume problems when burnt.

Carefully manage operation of the stove

Flues and chimneys should be swept regularly. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for servicing.

Remember that even if you follow the advice given above, if your appliance is causing a statutory nuisance you may have to stop using it.

If you do receive complaints from neighbours consider using smokeless fuels. Check your manufacturers' instructions and always burn the recommended fuels.

What type of fuel is ok to burn?

Further information can be found on www.burnright.co.uk

As Hastings is not in a smoke control area other fuels may be acceptable but please always consider your neighbours if the fuel is causing considerable smoke and odour.