Brits could face £300 fine this Autumn if they live in these specific locations - find out if you are at risk

Brits are being warned that they could face a £300 home for heating their homes this Autumn - depending on where they live.

The fine could be issued to anyone living in the UK if they have a chimney in their property due to a new rule relating to Smoke Control Areas.

The regulations dictate how much smoke can be emitted from your chimney - with the majority of England now covered by Smoke Control areas.

This means that, if you live in one, you can be fined £300 if your chimney produces too much smoke - while persistent offenders could face criminal charges.

Section 19 of the Clean Air Act 1993 says you must pay £300 if too much smoke is being released from your chimney.

Heating experts Direct Stoves said: 'The current limit on the amount of smoke your chimney can produce in a Smoke Control Area is 5g per hour, plus 0.5g for each kW of your stove's heat output.

'However, there are plans to reduce this limit to 3g per hour, although when this will happen is not yet confirmed.

'These rules mean that only some people with a wood-burning stove or open fire will pay a fine for using it. Most modern wood burners available are DEFRA-approved, so many stove owners do not need to worry.

'If you want to upgrade an older wood burner that emits a lot of smoke or are considering installing a wood burner in your home for the first time, get an appliance that DEFRA has approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

'A wood burner with this seal of approval is designed and tested to operate within the restrictions.'

If you are going to use a chimney, it needs to be in perfect working condition if you're going to enjoy cosy, safe family nights in around the fire.

A chimney can far too easily develop issues, such as being blocked - something that can lead to serious problems such as draught problems and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Matthew Harwood, of Confused.com home insurance, recommends having your chimney cleaned and inspected before lighting the season's first fire.

Harwood also suggests using a screen to catch any sparks, to prevent them from flying into the room.

Glen Peskett, of tool company Saxton Blades, agrees, saying: 'Blocked chimneys can pose a significant risk to homeowners, as they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and structural damage.

'Regular chimney inspections and cleaning can help prevent blockages and ensure your chimney functions safely and efficiently.

'If you suspect your chimney might be blocked or if you experience any issues while using your fireplace, call in a professional to avoid potential dangers.'

Checking a chimney and making sure that it is clean can be done in several ways, including by a professional chimney sweep.