Parisian authorities ban wood fires

A ban on wood-burning fires in Paris has provoked such a backlash that even the French environment minister calls it "absurd".

Minister wants to change decision

Regional authorities decreed as of 1 January, no home in Paris or the surrounding region will be allowed to cosy up to a fireplace around blazing logs. Their argument: One French study showed nearly a quarter of the capital's air pollution comes from wood-burning fires.

The city's hundreds of chimney sweeps are questioning the data. Meriadec Aulaunier of the GCCP chimney sweep union argues that while chimneys dot the city's skyline, Parisians only use their fireplaces a few times a year – especially around the holidays.

Environment Minister Segolene Royal said on Tuesday on France-2 television that she wants to change the decision – calling it "excessive" and "ridiculous".

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