Burning wood comes at a cost to your health and your wallet

This winter, residents with real coal fires or wood burning appliances are encouraged to use alternative heating methods and avoid burning wood to help reduce dangerous air pollution across the borough.

Join Global Action Plan for an informative webinar at 12 noon on Thursday 6 November exploring the wider health and environmental impacts of wood burning. Read the new UK-based research quantifying the health harm linked to wood burning.

Register now

Burning is never worth it

Wood-burning stoves, even the most modern, eco-designed ones, and coal fires are a significant source of the pollutant PM2.5. These are tiny particles that once inhaled can increase the risk of serious health conditions like stroke, asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and dementia. 

This is particularly concerning during winter months for those with young children or underlying health conditions.

Richmond upon Thames is a long-standing Smoke Control Area, and recent updates to legislation mean even small amounts of smoke from approved stoves or authorised fuels can now lead to fines.

To help reduce harmful PM2.5 pollution, residents are urged to avoid burning or limit it to special occasions using only dry, authorised fuels marked with the Ready to Burn logo. 

Find out more about our work with London Wood Burning project and Global Action Plan.

Free winter warmth home service

We work with not-for-profit company Thinking Works to provide winter warmth support for vulnerable residents, including energy advice, heating grants, and fire safety checks. Eligible groups include older adults, low-income families, and those with long-term health conditions.

Find out more about the Winter warmth home service.