top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Parisians can keep home fires burning

Prefecture in capital issues decree overturning controversial ban on open log fires due to come into force on January 1.

A CONTROVERSIAL ban on open fires in Paris has been overturned days before it was due to come into force.

From January 1 open log fires in Paris and parts of Ile-de-France were set to be outlawed after a study in 2013 that claimed they were as polluting as vehicles.

But air quality monitor Airparif has said that 39% of fine particle emissions in the capital come from cars and only 4% from wood fires.

Yesterday, the prefecture of Paris issued a decree that stopped the ban. Local authorities across Ile-de-France are set to follow suit in the coming days.

As reported, environment minister Ségolène Royal said earlier this month that she would work to overturn what she described as a “ridiculous” order, which had been issued by the Ile-de-France regional council in 2013, and would have applied to 435 communes in departments surrounding the French capital.

Ms Royal said she was "very surprised" by the move, adding: "It seems excessive. I want people to become more aware of pollution but this decision was a bit absurd, even if it was well-intentioned."

Pollution in Paris has been a hot topic in 2014. The air quality in the French capital has been likened to being in a room full of smokers, while the pollution crisis in the city earlier in the year, prompted authorities to impose vehicle restrictions.

Photo: Abi Skipp

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France