Are There Smoke Control Areas in Cornwall?

No. At the time of writing, there are currently no designated Smoke Control Areas in Cornwall. This means homeowners are not legally required to use a DEFRA-approved stove simply because of where they live.

However, that doesn't mean you should burn poor-quality firewood. Cornwall Council still encourages residents to use dry, clean-burning fuel to reduce smoke and improve air quality. One of the simplest ways to do this is by choosing Woodsure Ready to Burn certified firewood with a moisture content below 20%.

At Logan's Logs, all of our kiln dried hardwood is Woodsure Ready to Burn certified and dried to an average moisture content below 18%. Dry logs ignite more easily, produce more heat, create less smoke and leave fewer soot and creosote deposits inside your chimney than wet or poorly seasoned wood.

Although a DEFRA-approved stove isn't currently required in Cornwall, many homeowners still choose one because modern Ecodesign and DEFRA-approved appliances burn wood more efficiently and produce significantly fewer emissions than older stoves. Cornwall Council also notes that Ecodesign stoves emit considerably less particulate matter than older appliances, making them a better choice for both your home and the environment.

If Smoke Control Areas are introduced in parts of Cornwall in the future, the rules may change. For the latest information, it's always worth checking the guidance published by Cornwall Council.

For most households, the best way to enjoy a cleaner, more efficient fire is straightforward: burn quality kiln dried hardwood, keep your chimney well maintained and ensure your stove is operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.