UK households with log and wood burners have been warned that a common mistake in May could lead to a £300 fine. People stocking up on logs and wood for autumn and winter in May, when prices are cheaper, have been urged to ensure correct storage.
Expert Advice on Wood Storage
Christine Matthews, heating appliance expert at Gr8Fires, stated: “Buying firewood in spring or summer to make a saving is smart, but you need to make sure you store it correctly. If stored incorrectly, like being placed in the corner of a room on the ground, humidity can build up adding moisture to the wood. Wet wood is not only illegal to burn in the UK, but it produces more smoke which damages your health as well as increasing the risk of chimney fire.”
She added: “You should make sure that logs are stored off the ground to allow airflow.”
Health and Environmental Impacts
Burning biomass like wood, especially wet wood, is a source of pollutants such as particulate matter PM2.5. The World Health Organization has identified these particles as particularly harmful to human health because they are small enough to travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the heart, brain, and other organs.
Wet wood also burns less efficiently than seasoned or kiln-dried wood, as more energy is wasted turning moisture into vapour instead of heating your home. If you have wet or unseasoned wood, you should dry it out for at least a year until it has less than 20% moisture content.
Fines and Penalties
Councils in England have the power to issue fines starting from £175 for breaking these rules, but they can go as high as £300. Additionally, using unauthorised fuel in an appliance not on the Defra-exempt list can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
