Smoke control areas

The main purpose of a smoke control area is to reduce pollution from domestic chimneys. The smoke control area in the district covers High Wycombe and its urban areas. It does not cover Princes Risborough or Marlow.

The central area of High Wycombe has been a smoke control area for over 30 years. This means it is an offence to burn fuels such as coal and wood on an open fire in the area. Only authorised, smokeless fuels can be used, unless burnt on an exempted appliance or fireplace.

Find out if you live in a smoke control area by using My Wycombe.

Authorised fuels

A list of authorised fuels that can be burnt in smoke control areas is available on the UK Smoke Control Areas website (see link below).

Exempted appliances

A list of appliances exempt when using specified fuels is available on the UK Smoke Control Areas website (see link below).

You can also contact your fuel supplier for further information.

Bonfires

Bonfires are allowed in the Wycombe district. However, the smoke and smell caused by bonfires can cause a nuisance to neighbours, so please act considerately. Advice about bonfires, dust and odours.