In and around 28-29 January 2021, the spell hearthfire cast from items stopped functioning on my PC. The character animates as if using the item, and a message appears in the log that the item has been activated, however no campfire is made, no visible effect occurs. This happens in areas where campfires are permitted.
At first I thought the issue related to a particular item, but after trying a scroll of hearthfire, this also no longer functioned. The scroll is consumed, the animation plays, but no effect.
Dillusionist wondered that UMD changes to spells may explain the bug. I do not know if other characters are effected when using items. I have seen other characters cast from a spell slot with no issue.
PC: Wednesday Watkins
Items: Dusty Wayfarer's Cloak, Hearthfire
I can confirm that it works as intended when cast as a spell, if it helps.