Ban on using fireplaces lifted

A BAN on home fireplaces in Ile-de-France, introduced more than a year ago, has been lifted.

The region’s prefecture decided last year to restrict the use of home fires, with the exception of insert fireplaces (with a glass window), in 435 communes around the capital.

It introduced the ban after a study by pollution agency Airparif found that 23% of the fine particles found in air pollution came from chimneys - as much as cars.

Critics cast doubt on the validity of the study and the ban itself was dubbed “a little bit ridiculous” by the Minister for the Environment, Ségolène Royal. It was also frequently ignored.

The ban will be officially lifted when Ile-de-France prefecture publishes two arrêtés on Tuesday to re-authorise the use of fireplaces.

In some departments it is obligatory to get your chimney cleaned once a year - but it should generally be done for safety and insurance purposes. Or because someone may be visiting it in one week’s time.
Photo:Flickr/Jullian Fong