Wood burners warning as smoke controls brought in

Fines and prosecutions could await people who burn the wrong type of fuel on wood burners or set bonfires out of doors.

The clean air rules are being brought in in Blackpool, where over 700 complaints have been made about illegal bonfires and noxious fumes over the last five years.

They will control "dark smoke" from chimneys, caused by people burning the wrong materials on wood burners and open fires.

Blackpool Council said it wanted to tackle burning that "posed significant health risks to the surrounding community".

There are currently no smoke control areas in Blackpool because, as a coastal town, the air quality is generally good.

But the council said it had to act in response to complaints about garden bonfires and the burning of waste which can release toxic fumes.

It said while bonfires were common, "they can have a profound negative impact on local air quality".

The council added: "This concern is particularly acute when individuals burn hazardous or unauthorised materials, such as plastics, tyres, and painted wood.

"The combustion of these materials releases a range of toxic substances."

Community bonfires will also be monitored to ensure they take air pollution into consideration.

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