Smoke control and bonfires
Find out what restrictions are in place for controlling smoke and fire in Islington.
We are responsible for controlling smoke and bonfires in Islington to improve air quality.
The whole of Islington (except canals) is a Smoke Control Zone. This means it is illegal to burn unauthorised fuel or use an appliance that is not exempt under the Clean Air Act.
Take part in our consultation
We're proposing to include canals in the Smoke Control Zone. This would mean canal boats would be subject to the same requirements on fuel use and smoke emissions as homes on land.
You can share your thoughts and comments on this proposal by taking part in our consultation. It closes on 23 July 2026.
Take part in the consultation.
Fires in your home
Burning solid fuel in an open fire or stove creates pollution in your home and nearby areas. This can impact the health of you and those around you. Fires and stoves are also not the cheapest way to heat your home.
Check our energy advice for better ways to heat your home.
To find out more about the impacts of burning, visit the London Wood Burning Project website.
If you do burn material in your home, you must:
- burn smokeless fuel (you can find and buy this in a lot of places and it is labelled 'smokeless')
- use specific types of wood burning stoves or furnaces.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website has a list of the authorised fuels and appliances that you must use in a Smoke Control Area like Islington. But even an approved fuel or exempt appliance can have a negative effect on air quality.
Bonfires
Garden bonfires add to pollution and poor air quality and can make health problems worse (like asthma and bronchitis). They can also be a nuisance to neighbours.
Instead, compost your garden and kitchen waste or use our garden waste collection service.
To report bonfires during office hours, you can call us on 020 7527 3083.