This winter, residents with real coal fires or wood burning appliances are encouraged to use alternative heating methods and avoid burning wood to help reduce dangerous air pollution across the borough.
Clean Air Night will be taking place again this winter on Thursday 22nd January 2026.
This year the campaign, run by Global Action Plan, will focus on continuing to de-normalise wood burning, amplifying its health harms, as well as platforming real-life examples of behaviour change.
Wood-burning stoves, even the most modern, eco-designed ones, and coal fires are a significant source of the pollutant PM2.5. These are tiny particles that once inhaled can increase the risk of serious health conditions like stroke, asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and dementia. This is particularly concerning during winter months for those with young children or underlying health conditions.
Merton is a long-standing Smoke Control Area, and recent updates to legislation mean even small amounts of smoke from approved stoves or authorised fuels can now lead to fines. To help reduce harmful PM2.5 pollution, residents are urged to avoid burning or limit it to special occasions using only dry, authorised fuels marked with the Ready to Burn logo.
Find out more about our work with the London Wood Burning project.
Find out how to get support in keeping your home warm this winter.