Householders with fireplaces are being cautioned that they could be hit with fines up to £1,000 this winter if they slip up by using the wrong fuel. Many newer homes built since 2000 lack a fireplace or chimney breast, and some have even sealed off their fireplaces for extra space in the living room. However, many, particularly the elderly, continue to enjoy the unrivalled warmth of traditional coal or log burners, avoiding the need for central heating.
There's also a trend among younger people who are opting for the snug ambiance of old-fashioned fireplaces and log burners in their living rooms, as a way to dodge the soaring costs from energy suppliers. But the government has issued a stark warning: use the incorrect type of fuel and you could be slapped with an immediate £1,000 fine. This regulation isn't new, but as households light up their fireplaces again due to the dropping temperatures, it's crucial to stay on the right side of the law, reports the Express .
With snow predicted this Christmas, many will likely seek the comfort of their log burner or fireplace to stay warm. The guidance is clear: "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 adds, "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.
