Brits issued fireplace warning this winter that could end up with a costly fine

Let’s be honest, the weather recently has been weird as f**k.

The UK has gone from being oddly warm for this time of year to suddenly freezing to cold but not that cold again.

But with Christmas fast approaching and winter officially about to begin, we’re all doing what we can to keep warm and toasty at home.

The weather might be unpredictable, but one thing is for sure; it’s properly getting cold now. And no matter what it’s like outside, it always seems nice to just have those cosy vibes in the house.

You know, wrapped in blankets, popping the heating on for a bit or even getting a fire on.

However, Brits have been issued a fireplace warning for this winter that could end up with a costly fine.

Keeping warm like this could lead to a fine. (Getty Stock)

I mean, this obviously doesn’t apply to all of us thanks to many of the new homes built since 2000 lacking a fireplace or chimney breast altogether or perhaps you’ve even had yours sealed off. Or, you probably just rent a flat at the moment without the means to light a fire in sight.

But there are still plenty of people around the UK who love getting a fire going in their place to keep warm, particularly the elderly. It’s also a go-to for many to have a log burner on rather than having to crank on the central heating and face the rising costs of energy prices.

And yet it might not be such a money saver if you’re using the wrong type of fuel. It’s not a new regulation by any means, but something many might not be aware of.

The official government advice explains: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you buy unauthorised fuel to use in an appliance that’s not approved by Defra.”

It's important to make sure you're following the regulations. (Getty Stock)

It adds that in England you may have to pay a fine of up to £300 if your chimney releases smoke in a smoke control area. To find out if you live in a smoke control area, contact your local council.

"If your appliance uses a chimney on the roof of a building (for example, a summer house), you can only burn authorised fuel unless it's an exempt appliance.

"In a smoke control area you can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels, or any of the following 'smokeless' fuels, unless you're using a Defra approved appliance: anthracite, semi-anthracite; gas; low volatile steam coal."

Exempt appliances that can burn unauthorised fuels include some boilers, cookers and stoves.

In a smoke control area you can burn fuel on the list of ‘authorised fuels’ or any of the following ‘smokeless’ fuels, unless you’re using a Defra approved appliance:

• anthracite
• semi-anthracite
• gas
• low volatile steam coal

Check here for the full advice regarding smoke control areas.