Isère: a new ban on old wood-burning stoves for early 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, the use of open fireplaces and closed wood-burning heaters or stoves built before 2002 will be banned in 297 municipalities in Isère. This is a gradual and targeted measure, motivated by the health emergency linked to air pollution.

According to the ATMO observatory, which monitors and provides information on air quality in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, wood heating accounts for 70% of annual fine particle emissions in Isère. It represents nearly 30% of volatile organic compounds. These pollutants aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and increase the risk of cancer and nervous system disorders.

In light of this observation, the prefecture is strengthening the implementation of the Grenoble Alpes Dauphiné Atmospheric Protection Plan (PPA) , which began in 2023.

This plan includes two major waves of bans. The first, initiated since October 2024, where open fireplaces are already banned in 123 municipalities of Grenoble Alpes Métropole, Pays Voironnais and Grésivaudan; and a second which will be deployed from January 1, 2026. The ban is extended to 174 additional municipalities, covering in particular the communities of Bièvre Est, Bièvre Isère, Saint-Marcellin Vercors Isère, Trièves and Vals du Dauphiné. On the same date, all closed fireplace stoves and inserts installed before 2002 will also be banned in these areas.

To support this transition, several aids are being mobilized: such as the Prime Air Bois , co-financed by ADEME and local authorities. It can be up to €2,000, depending on income and territory. It is conditional on replacement by a Flamme Verte-certified device, installed by an RGE professional.

There are also other schemes that complement the offering. For example, the zero-interest eco-loan, energy saving certificates, and Ma Prime Renov', although its scope will be limited to low-income households when it is reactivated at the end of September.

The communities also offer workshops, webinars and practical materials to raise awareness among residents about good heating practices (reverse ignition, choice of dry wood, etc.).

Also read: Isère: Arkema and EDF commit to ten years of low-carbon electricity

This new regulation is part of a logic of energy sobriety and improvement of air quality, in conjunction with local authorities and wood professionals.

By 2030, the prefecture plans to gradually extend these bans on wood-burning fireplaces and stoves to other areas. It also plans to extend them to more recent appliances, if they do not meet emission standards.