Expert: James Ball - 12/30/2008

Question
Is it safe to use a fireplace with loose or missing tiles in the floor of the
firebox? I'm renting a house with a fireplace with a gas lighter.  The previous
tennant told me they broke the gas pipe (The gas is off) and now I see the
grate is also melted.  What did they do to it?  Anyway, is it safe to use this
fireplace with the missing tiles.  The floor underneath is concrete covered
with ash.  THe chimney sweep hasn't been out here in about 2 years (That's
before we moved in-based on what the previous tennant said)

Answer
Hi Kayla, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have, no telling what you have going on there and do not use it until it is looked at to be safe.
James