Bedford Council has warned about the dangers of open fires and wood burners and multi-fuel stoves due to the rise in popularity of these types of heating.
Late last year, the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) reported a 40% increase in sales of wood burners, which is believed to be driven by people trying to save money on energy bills.
Concerns include a pollutant called Fine Particular Matter (FPM) or Particular Matter (PM) that is present in the smoke from wood which can be dangerous to those who breathe it in.
FPM is everything in the air that is not a gas and is made up of a huge variety of chemical compounds and materials, some of which can be toxic.
Government data shows wood burners and multi-fuel stoves were a major source of dangerous particles in the air we breathe in 2021, accounting for 16% of PM10 emissions and 27% of PM2.5 emissions.
Further reports show that emissions of PM2.5 from domestic wood burning increased by 124% between 2011 and 2021, representing 21% of total PM2.5. emissions in 2021.
Bedfordians have been urged to do the following in order to safeguard their and others’ health.
- Don’t burn wet wood as this creates harmful particles when burned and can create smoke. It can also damage chimneys and stoves.
- Burning dry wood lowers fuel costs and reduces the risks of fires in chimneys.
- Use solid fuels that have been approved solid fuels by DEFRA
- Do not burn waste wood such as pallets or fence panels etc. – These can create harmful and toxic pollutants in your home and from your chimney as they burn.
- Regularly ensure that you maintain and service your stove –this can prevent soot and tar can build up.
Cllr Charles Royden (Brickhill, Liberal Democrat) Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We all breathe the same air, with the rise in popularity of open fires and wood-burning stoves in homes it is important that people can easily find information that helps them to use them safely.
“These measures can also help Bedford Borough residents save money, reduce the risks of fires in homes and lower their impact on the environment.”
Additional reporting by Paul Hutchinson
