Logs and the Law

The image of a traditional roaring fire is a true icon of a cosy British home. However new laws to phase out the most polluting domestic fuels mean than coal and wet wood will be increasingly difficult to buy until it is phased out completely.

Why coal and wet wood

Everyone knows that coal is a non-renewable source of energy and that coal smoke and pollution are linked to asthma, cancer, heart and lung ailments, neurological problems, acid rain and global warming.

But what about wet wood?

Wet wood is unseasoned, undried wood and is often known as green wood. It contains a moisture content of over 20% and it usually cheap to buy.

When burned, damp wood produces more smoke than dry logs. This includes tiny particulates known as PM2.5 that are more harmful than bigger flakes of soot because they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and bloodstream.

2.5 million UK households rely on coal and wet wood as a heating fuel, largely in mining communities and rural areas. Government figures show coal and wet wood is responsible for 38% of PM2.5 pollution in the UK, three times as much as road transport.

Is this the end of the traditional roaring fire?

Absolutely not! Kiln-dried or seasoned logs (like the ones provided by Longbrook Logs) have a moisture content of below 20%..

Seasoned logs burn more efficiently, produce more heat, lower flue maintenance costs,, are healthier, are easy to light and give that satisfying crackle as they burn.