SIA Stove industry Alliance responds to DEFRA statement of fuel ban

In agreement with the DEFRA proposal to ban some forests and fuels, the SIA press release states that it has been thoroughly consulted on this proposal.

Concerned, however, that the press has mentioned potential prohibitions on certain wood burning stoves, SIA would like to make it clear that this is not the case and that the plans for prohibitions only apply to certain woods and fuels.

The outlined proposal is shown below:-

• Restrictions on the selling of domestic wet wood for burning, so that it can only be bought in amounts above a certain cut-off limit.
• Applying a 2% sulphur limit and a 5g per hour smoke emission limit to all manufactured solid fuels made.
• The selling of bituminous (traditional house) coal is being phased out.

The government recognises that many households have open fires or stoves and does not aim to prohibit these fuel bans from using or building them. Action is required, however, to decrease the amount of PM 2.5 produced as a direct result of domestic combustion.

To encourage change the SIA feels its objective is:-

• Raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution from domestic burning.
• Ensure consumers are provided with reliable advice to allow them to make informed choices.
• Create Legislation to restrict the most polluting fuels.