Burning wood or solid fuels the wrong way can release harmful particulates into the air, which can impact both health and the environment. Recent legislation has introduced stricter regulations around wood burning, so it’s essential to know the rules and burn responsibly.

Selecting high-quality fuels that are appropriate for your appliance is key to responsible burning. Low-quality or treated fuels can release more particulates into the air, leading to health risks and possibly causing damage to your appliance.

Look for the “Ready to Burn” Certification

In England, the sale of wood in volumes under 2 cubic metres requires certification under the “Ready to Burn” scheme. This ensures the wood has a moisture content of 20% or less.

• Why 20% Moisture?: Dry wood burns cleaner and produces more heat, reducing the release of harmful emissions.
• Manufactured Solid Fuels: These must also carry the Ready to Burn certification and comply with smoke emission standards, containing no more than 2% sulphur.

For larger wood purchases, ensure you have space to season and dry the wood until it reaches a moisture content of 20% or less.

What to Avoid

• Burning Treated Wood: Avoid burning wood that has been treated with chemicals, such as painted or creosote-treated wood. These can emit toxic chemicals that are hazardous to health and the environment.
• Case Example: A resident in Gloucestershire was fined £330 after burning treated wood, which emitted toxic chemicals into the air. This was a breach of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Wood Storage Tips

Properly storing your firewood ensures it stays dry and ready to burn. Here are some helpful storage tips:

Storing Wood Outdoors

• Protection from the Elements: Use a slatted log store with a roof to prevent excess moisture from rain.
• Ventilation: Stack your logs loosely to allow air circulation and prevent moisture build-up.
• Sunlight: Store your logs in a location exposed to sunlight to help the drying process, and avoid storing under gutters or trees that may drip water onto the wood.

Storing Wood Indoors

• Quantity: Only store the amount of wood you plan to burn in the next two days indoors to avoid excessive moisture build-up.
• Safety: Keep logs away from heat sources, and never store them on your wood burner or stove, as this poses a fire risk.

Check Your Wood’s Moisture Content

To ensure your wood is ready to burn, use a moisture meter. Here’s how:

1. Select three logs from different areas of your log store.
2. Split the logs down the middle.
3. Wipe off any surface moisture.
4. Press the moisture meter’s pins firmly across the grain of the wood.
5. Take several readings and calculate the average moisture content, aiming for 20% or less.

Compliance and Enforcement

The UK government has implemented several regulations to ensure cleaner air and responsible burning:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990: People can be prosecuted for emitting harmful smoke from their chimneys.
• Clean Air Act 1993: Amended by the Environment Act 2021, this allows local authorities to take civil enforcement action against non-compliance.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can burn wood responsibly, reduce your environmental impact, and avoid legal penalties.