Chimney & Fireplaces/victorian fireplace.

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Expert: - 12/18/2008


Question

fireplace
Hi,
My house has a Victorian fireplace, I think it might be original but not certain - see attached photo. As far as I know the chimney is open. I wanted to know if I can use the fireplace to lay a fire. It doesn't have a basket so I would need to get one, but someone I  know has expressed concern because the fireplace doesn't have a canopy and isn't sure that the smoke would go straight up the chimney.
Any help you could give me on whether the fireplace might be safe to use would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Amy

Answer
Hello Amy, it is very hard to tell what you have from this picture, 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 they can tell you if it is safe and if not if it can be fixed.
James

James Ball

Expertise

I am a chimney sweep with over 22 years of experience, CSIA certified and member of the NCSG, I can answer questions about smoky fire places, wood stoves, and heating units (boiler and furnace chimneys) do you need a relining? A cap? And much more

Experience

over 22 years

Organizations
Chimney Safety Institute of America, National Chimney Sweep Guild

Education/Credentials
CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified

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