Cleaner air for York as Smoke Control Area expands citywide
From 1 November 2026, the whole of York will become a Smoke Control Area to help improve air quality and protect people’s health. The change follows a decision earlier this year and will introduce the same rules across the whole city.
At the moment, around 80 per cent of York households are already covered by a Smoke Control Area.
Expanding it across the whole city will make the rules easier to understand and help cut harmful smoke from solid fuel burning. Smoke from open fires and stoves is one of the main sources of tiny air pollution particles known as PM2.5.
These particles are so small that they can enter the lungs and bloodstream and affect people’s health.
The change is not a ban on wood-burning stoves or open fires. Residents can continue to use them if they follow the rules.
From 1 November:
- Prolonged smoke from chimneys attached to buildings will not be allowed for more than 15 minutes after initially lighting a fire
- Open fires must use authorised smokeless fuel
- Wood can still be burned in a DEFRA-approved stove
- Wood should be dry and properly seasoned
- Residents should look for the “Ready to Burn” logo when buying wood fuel.
The new rules do not apply to outdoor barbecues, chimineas, garden fire pits or bonfires, which are covered by separate legislation.
The council’s first priority will be helping residents understand the changes and how to follow them. However, people who repeatedly break the rules following advice, could face a fine of up to £300.
Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “From 1 November, the same smoke control rules will apply across the whole of York. This change will help improve air quality and support better health for everyone in our city.
“This is not about saying people can’t use stoves or open fires. It is about helping people use the right fuel in the right way, so we can all benefit from cleaner air.”
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health for York, said: “Solid fuel burning accounts for nearly a third of PM2.5 emissions in York. There are no safe levels of these particles – they harm everyone, especially children and older people. Expanding the Smoke Control Area is a proportionate, evidence-based step to protect health and reduce preventable deaths.”
Residents can find out more about the changes, check whether their stove is approved and learn which fuels can be used on our website
The council recognises that many residents use solid fuel heating as part of keeping their homes warm during winter. The new rules do not ban stoves or open fires and residents can continue to use them if they burn the correct fuel in the correct appliance.
Advice and support on energy efficiency and home heating is available through York Energy Advice, YorEnergy and the council’s Home Energy Efficiency Team.
Photo caption left to right: Calvin – Respiratory Clinical Scientist, Peter Roderick – Director of Public Health at City of York Council, Dr Caroline Everett – Consultant Respiratory Physician, Cllr Jenny Kent – Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, Muhammad, Lead Clinical Respiratory Scientist