When you are considering buying a home stove there are plenty of things you need to consider: What style do I go for? What fuel do I want to burn? How much will it cost to install?

One aspect that people sometimes fail to take into consideration is checking whether their home falls in a smoke control zone.

What is a smoke control zone?

If your home is situated in a smoke control zone then there are restrictions on what you can and cannot burn in your home fireplace. These zones were brought in for very good reason. Set up following ‘The Clean Air Act 1993’ in response to calls for better air quality across the UK after decades of Industrial and home coal burning led to dangerous levels of pollution all over the country.

Smoke control Zones are now an essential element in helping reduce the UK emissions and improve the health of residents, especially the elderly and the very young, who are considered the most at risk of poor air conditions.

Do you live in a smoke control zone?

Smoke Control Zones are strategically placed all around the UK to help alleviate pollution. The boundaries of these zones can vary from street to street o it is important to check with your local council to find out whether your property falls inside one of these catchment areas.

What fuels can I burn in a smoke control zone?

Not all fuels are banned, just traditional coal, as this is seen as the most polluting. You can still use a coal burning home stove, however, as smokeless coal is available form most fuel suppliers. This specialised type of coal can be naturally occurring in the form of anthracite of there are manufactured coals that produce very little to no smoke and much less pollutants than traditional coal.

What happens if you burn unauthorised fuel?

If you don’t burn smokeless coal and choose to use traditional coal in a smoke free zone then you can be faced with £1000 fine, so make sure you check with your local council before you choose your fuel type.