Wood burning has now overtaken traffic as the leading source of PM2.5 pollution in the UK, posing significant health risks to the population.

Air pollution, including that from wood burning, is responsible for an estimated 26,000 to 40,000 premature deaths each year in the UK, contributing to serious health issues such as respiratory diseases and mental health problems.

Research shows that PM2.5 particles are linked to severe health conditions, including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Despite the health risks, a survey indicated that 22% of the UK public and 37% of Londoners still use open fires or wood-burning stoves at home, even though London is designated as a smoke-control area.

Smoke-control areas impose strict regulations on burning wood and unauthorized fuels, allowing only approved appliances to be used in an effort to reduce pollution.

However, enforcement of these regulations has been weak; from September 2023 to August 2024, only four fines were issued for illegal wood burning in smoke-control areas, despite receiving 5,600 complaints.

Local authorities, including Birmingham, Manchester, and Cheshire East, have faced criticism for their inadequate enforcement of wood burning regulations, leaving many complaints unresolved.

Data from the campaign group Mums for Lungs highlights the lack of enforcement regarding wood burning regulations in England.

Under the Environment Act 2021, local councils have the authority to impose fines of up to £300 for smoke emissions and up to £1,000 for using unauthorized fuels in non-approved appliances.

Jemima Hartshorn, co-founder of Mums for Lungs, has called for councils to enhance their enforcement of pollution controls to safeguard public health.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has advocated for phasing out wood burning in urban areas to protect children's health and decrease overall air pollution.