There is something magical, warming and wholesome about sitting by the fire in winter, but a council have issued guidelines on how to keep safe.

East Suffolk Council issued a warning to residents of the importance of using their open fires or wood-burning stoves responsibly this winter.

Many homes in the region have open fires or wood-burning stoves, but these can contribute to air pollution and reduce indoor air quality, which can be damaging to health.

Long-term exposure to air pollution reduces life expectancy, mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, strokes and lung cancer.

And even short-term exposure, over hours or days, can impact on lung function, worsening asthma, and increasing respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions.

Councillor James Mallinder, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the environment said: “Many residents use open fires or wood-burning stoves and so it is important that these can be used as safely.

"One of the best ways to do this is to only burn seasoned wood, which will also be better for the environment and your health.

"The cost-of-living crisis will mean we look at cheaper ways of heating our homes and by choosing, where possible, the option with the least environmental impact.”

To help reduce emissions, both indoors and into the environment, there are simple steps which homeowners can take:

  • Regularly maintaining and service your stove servicing your stove annually means it will work better and will generate more heat from what you burn
  • Get your chimney swept regularly. Otherwise particulates will build up in the chimney reducing the efficiency and increasing the risk of chimney fires
  • Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Burning wet or unseasoned/green wood creates a lot of smoke, tar and particulates which can damage your chimney and appliance and contributes to air pollution
  • Do not burn treated waste wood, such as old furniture or pallets, or household rubbish. Wood which has been treated with paint or preservatives can emit harmful fumes, and household rubbish may include plastics that can release toxic pollutants, such as arsenic, into your home when burnt and may affect your health.