Cllr Adam Duce, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability:
“Clean Air Night is a great opportunity for us all to think about the impact of our choices. Burning wood might feel comforting, but it can come at a real cost to our health and our community. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment or say you should never use a wood-burning stove - just be mindful of the impact. By pledging to go fire-free for one night or, even better, for a longer period, or by seeking alternatives, we can all help reduce harmful pollution and protect the wellbeing of our families and neighbours.”
Clean Air Night 2026 is all about helping families enjoy warm homes while keeping the air cleaner and healthier. We’ve seen lots of questions and comments on our social media channels, so here we hope to answer some of them and explain more about the campaign.
1. Is this about banning wood-burning stoves?
No. Clean Air Night is not about banning stoves. It’s about raising awareness of the impact of wood burning on air quality (often it is not the primary heating source in a home), and actions to take to limit impacts such as burning dry seasoned wood, How to get the most from your stove or open fire: a guide to buying, storing and seasoning wood
2. Why focus on wood burning when there are bigger sources of pollution?
Every source matters. While traffic and industry are major contributors, domestic burning accounts for 27% of fine particulate pollution. These particles can affect heart and lung health, especially for children and older people, Burn Better, Breathe Better: Reduce the negative impact your stove or open fire can have on your health - DEFRA UK Air - GOV.UK
3. Why don’t you deal with bonfires instead?
We know bonfire smoke is a concern for many residents.
Bonfires aren’t banned, but we do encourage people to avoid them where possible, because they can create high levels of localised air pollution and cause problems for neighbours with asthma, lung conditions or anxiety triggered by smoke.
Where bonfires cause a statutory nuisance, our Environmental Health team can investigate and offer advice or take action where appropriate. You can find more information by visiting our web page Domestic Bonfires | Waverley Borough Council.
Clean Air Night sits alongside that work, it aims to help everyone understand where air pollution comes from and how we can all reduce exposure.
4. You’re ignoring fireworks, they create smoke too.
Fireworks do create short bursts of particulate pollution, and we recognise that some people find this worrying.
However, unlike heating and burning fuels, fireworks are used for very limited periods of the year.
The Clean Air Night messaging focuses on wood burning as it is a large source of local particulate matter, impacting on people’s health.
We continue to support national advice encouraging considerate use of fireworks, particularly, attending organised, public displays rather than using fireworks at home.
5. Is the research from Waverley Borough Council?
No. The evidence comes from Defra’s Air Quality Strategy and Global Action Plan, an independent environmental charity.
6. Are claims like “homes are three times more polluted” accurate?
That figure often refers to short-term measurements during active burning when, for example, the door to a stove is opened. The point is that indoor air quality can be significantly affected by burning practices. Using dry wood, maintaining stoves, and ventilating rooms can make a big difference.
7. What can I do without giving up my stove?
8. Isn’t this just virtue-signalling?
We understand the concern. But no. Clean Air Night is about sharing evidence-based advice so families can make informed choices. It’s not about telling people what to do - it’s about helping everyone enjoy warm homes while protecting health. This campaign from Global Action Plan is about practical choices that protect health without taking away comfort. Learn more and find simple tips -
You can also find out more about Waverley Borough Council’s Clean Air Strategy at How to Help Improve Air Quality | Waverley Borough Council.