If you have purchased firewood recently, or if you are new to the world of log burners, you will likely have noticed a distinctive red and orange flame logo appearing on packaging. This is the Woodsure Ready to Burn mark, and it represents the most significant shift in the UK firewood market in a generation.

At Dawsons Fuels, we have been fuelling the UK since 1895. We have navigated every change in the industry, from the era of coal to the modern age of high-efficiency heating. We believe the Ready to Burn scheme is a vital step forward, ensuring that you, our customer, get the best possible heat and value from your fuel. All of our kiln-dried logs are Ready to Burn certified, including medium crates of kiln-dried birch, ash, and oak logs.

When ordering firewood, compliance does not stop at certification. How your fuel is handled, packaged, and delivered also plays a critical role in maintaining moisture levels and product quality. That is why we operate a clear, nationwide delivery service designed to protect the integrity of our Ready to Burn fuels from our yard to your home. You can find full details on our delivery process on our delivery information page.

If you burn logs in England, understanding the Ready to Burn scheme is essential—not just for legal compliance, but for efficiency, safety, and air quality.

But what exactly is the scheme, why is it a legal requirement, and—most importantly—how does it benefit you?

The Basics: What Is the Scheme?

The Ready to Burn certification was established by Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) as part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy. It is administered by Woodsure, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising the quality of wood fuel.

Under the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, the rules for selling firewood changed permanently:

The Rule:
It is illegal in England to sell firewood in volumes of less than 2 cubic metres (such as net bags, crates, or builder’s bags) unless it has a moisture content of 20% or less.

The Proof:
Certified wood must display the Ready to Burn logo, the supplier’s name, and a unique certification number (e.g. WSxxxx) on the packaging.

This means that when you buy a crate of our kiln dried logs, the logo is not a design choice—it is a guarantee that the wood has been tested and proven to be dry enough for immediate use.

The Science: Why Moisture Matters

You might ask, “Why the fuss about water? Fire dries wood out, doesn’t it?”

While technically true, drying wood in the fire is incredibly inefficient. Burning wet (unseasoned) wood causes a phenomenon known as the energy penalty.

Boiling vs. Burning:
A wet log can be up to 50% water by weight. When placed on a fire, valuable heat energy is first used to boil off that moisture.

Heat Loss:
Research shows that burning wet wood can result in 30%–50% less usable heat compared to dry wood. You are effectively paying to boil water rather than heat your home.

Cooling the Fire:
The evaporation process lowers firebox temperatures, causing logs to smoulder instead of burn cleanly.

Because Ready to Burn logs contain less than 20% moisture, they ignite easily and deliver consistent, high heat—exactly what you get with products such as our
Medium Sized Crate of Kiln Dried Birch Logs and
Crate of Kiln Dried Ash Logs.

The Hidden Cost of Wet Wood: Smoke and PM2.5

The steam and smoke from wet wood are not just wasteful—they are harmful.

PM2.5 Emissions:
Wet wood produces significantly higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can impact lung health. Defra data shows that burning dry wood dramatically reduces these emissions.

Chimney Health:
Smoke from wet wood contains unburnt tars that condense into creosote, a flammable substance that damages flue liners and is the leading cause of chimney fires.

By choosing Ready to Burn fuel, you are protecting your health, your neighbours’ air quality, and the long-term safety of your chimney.

How to Identify Ready to Burn Fuel at Dawsons

We make compliance simple. All of our small-volume wood fuel products meet strict Woodsure standards. When browsing our shop or checking your delivery, look for:

• The Ready to Burn flame logo

• A unique Woodsure certification number

• Clear supplier identification

Whether you choose premium hardwood logs or high-performance manufactured fuels like our Hotmax Heat Logs, you can be confident they are certified, compliant, and ready for immediate use.

To ensure your fuel arrives in the same certified condition in which it leaves our depot, all deliveries are handled according to strict quality controls, which are outlined in our delivery information.

A Note on “Bulk” Wood

Some suppliers sell wet wood in bulk loads over 2 cubic metres. This is only legal if drying instructions are provided. This is a long-term project requiring months—or even years—of correct storage.

At Dawsons Fuels, we focus on kiln dried products that are ready the moment they arrive at your door. Our delivery methods are designed to preserve dryness and minimise exposure to moisture, so you can burn your logs immediately. Full details are available on our delivery information page.

Your Checklist for Compliance and Quality

To ensure you are getting the best possible burn:

• Check the logo: Always look for the Ready to Burn mark

• Listen to the wood: Dry logs make a sharp “clack” sound

• Look for cracks: Radial end cracks indicate dryness

• Check the weight: Dry logs feel noticeably lighter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ready to Burn scheme mandatory in England?
Yes. Under the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, it is illegal to sell firewood in volumes under 2 cubic metres unless it is certified as Ready to Burn.

Can I legally burn non-certified logs if I dry them myself?
Yes, but only if you purchase them in volumes over 2 cubic metres and properly dry them yourself for several months or longer. Certified Ready to Burn logs are tested and safe to use immediately.

Does the Ready to Burn scheme apply to smokeless fuels?
Yes. Manufactured solid fuels must also meet strict emissions and performance standards to be legally sold for domestic use.

How can I tell if logs are genuinely Ready to Burn?
Look for the Ready to Burn logo, a unique Woodsure certification number, and the supplier’s name on the packaging. These confirm laboratory testing and compliance.

Conclusion

The Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme is more than a regulation—it is a quality standard. It separates professional, compliant fuel from inefficient and illegal alternatives.

As a family-run business with over a century of experience, Dawsons Fuels is proud to champion this standard. We believe heating your home should be efficient, clean, and safe.

Ready to burn with confidence?
Explore our full range of Ready to Burn certified fuels and learn more about how we deliver them safely and reliably on our delivery information page.