With the rise of modern log burning stoves and growing political pressure to cut air pollution, the days of the traditional open fire may be numbered.
Labour’s updated Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) puts domestic emissions under new scrutiny, and experts say open fireplaces are the “worst offenders” when it comes to household air pollution.
But industry leaders insist cleaner, affordable alternatives already exist for homeowners who still want the glow of real flames.
Open fires 'incompatible' with the UK’s new clean-air targets
The government’s updated EIP tightens limits on PM2.5 - the most harmful particulate pollution – and opens a consultation on domestic burning. According to Calvin May, Head of Technical Services at HETAS, this is both expected and necessary.
“Open fireplaces are among the most polluting, expensive and inefficient ways to burn wood, and their continued use is incompatible with the government’s ambition to reduce annual PM2.5 limits and improve air quality,” he says.
The industry stresses that criticism should not be aimed at households: “Blanket bans or placing the blame on households trying to keep warm this winter are not the way forward,” May adds. Instead, the focus should be on phasing out the most polluting setups – open fires – while helping homeowners transition safely.
Cleaner choice stoves already meet future targets
While open fires face scrutiny, modern appliances are ahead of the curve.
May explains that wood burners, multifuel stoves and pellet stoves that meet Cleaner Choice standards already meet potential EIP targets, proving that the technology is ready for stricter regulation.
“Industry has already delivered dramatic improvements in emissions through innovation and best practices, with existing policy supporting this,” he says. PM2.5 emissions from domestic combustion have already fallen 17% between 2020 and 2023, with total UK PM2.5 down 76% since 1990.
Why fuel choice matters just as much as the stove
Even the cleanest stove can become polluting if the wrong fuel is used. Ready to Burn regulations, which ban burning wet wood and the dirtiest fuels, currently apply only in England.
“This causes confusion and means thousands of stove owners across Scotland and Wales can still buy wet wood and coal,” May warns.
HETAS is calling for consistent UK-wide rules, not only on appliances but on the fuels available to homeowners, to ensure emission reductions are meaningful and fair.
What homeowners can do next
As the consultation progresses, experts emphasise practical solutions rather than panic.
May says: “We urge policymakers to focus on practical, enforceable solutions… Phasing out open fires, supporting competent installation and professional maintenance, educating stove owners on responsible burning, and aligning fuel certification across the UK are just some ways we can meet these new targets.”
For households considering futureproof options, inspiration is easy to find – including these log burner ideas for modern interiors.
Open fires may be fading out, but clean-burning, stylish home-heating alternatives are already here - and ready for whatever the next wave of environmental regulation brings.
