Smoke control areas
In 1985, the entirety of Birmingham was designated a Smoke Control Area under the Clean Air Act 1983. This measure was introduced to improve air quality throughout the city. As a result of this, residents are only allowed to burn authorised fuels in an open fireplace or an exempt appliance. Burning coal is not permitted in Birmingham.
Learn more about the Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Consulation
The Environment Act 2021 has introduced stricter controls on the use of:
- open fireplaces
- wood-burning fireplaces or wood burners
- other similar domestic appliances (e.g Pellet Stoves, Multi-fuel Stoves)
To meet these requirements, we are proposing a new Smoke Control Order. This will also extend Clean Air Act rules to moored vessels (such as canal barges).
What does this mean for you
For most residents, nothing will change. The update ensures cleaner air by tightening limits on smoke emissions.
We want your feedback before finalising the order.
Learn more about the Smoke Control Order 2025 and have your say
Read the Smoke Control notice of proposal
Find out which area is affected by this consultation
Smoke Control Area Rules
It is important that people use only the correct fuel at all times. Using the wrong fuel can cause smoke emissions.
Under the amended legislation, you risk being fined or taken to court if your chimney emits smoke in a Smoke Control Area,
If you use a wood burner or open fireplace, only burn approved fuel, you could face a fine.
Restrictions on firewood and manufactured solid fuels
The Air Quality Domestic Solid Fuels Standards limits which fuels can be sold for home burning:
- firewood sold in units of less than 2 cubic metres must be certified by the Ready to Burn Scheme and the certification details and scheme logo must be attached to the packaging and clearly displayed at the point of sale
- if firewood is sold in units of more than 2 cubic metres, customers must be provided with information that explains how to dry, store and check the moisture of the wood before it is used
- all manufactured solid fuels must be certified by the Ready to Burn Scheme and the certification details and scheme logo must be attached to the packaging and clearly displayed at the point of sale. Fuels that are exempt from these certification requirements are coffee logs, olive logs, wine logs and fuels mostly made of wheat husks, straw, miscanthus, bamboo or compressed food waste
Learn more about domestic solid fuel rules
Page last update: 19 June 2024
