Cosy fires can kill, warns campaign

Domestic fires cause harmful particles in the air, warned the council

Residents are being warned of the dangers of using wood burners and open fires inside the home this winter.

Brighton and Hove City Council's (BHCC) Cosy Killer campaign highlights the harmful impact of smoke particles from burning solid fuels.

It said particle pollution, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and lung disease, was "a contributing factor to one in 20 deaths in people over the age of 30" in the area.

Burning wood or coal can triple the amount of harmful pollutants inside the home, with wood producing more small-particle emissions than traffic, according to the campaign.

Cosy Killer marks BHCC's next step in a new approach to improve air quality and tackle the burning of solid fuels in the area.

Last month, the council launched the real-time air quality portal, which allows residents to see air quality readings from across the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for net zero and environmental services, said: "I strongly believe most people who burn [solid fuel] at home simply aren't aware of the harm they're doing.

"The smoke particles they produce have very damaging impacts on the health of people both inside and outside the home – especially those with chronic lung conditions like asthma.

"We know for some people, a wood burner is essential for them to be able to heat, but for the vast majority, it's more of a luxury."

He added there would be greater enforcement in the city's smoke control areas.