open fires

[jenko1]

i have a fireplace that is completely open can i just get a grate /basket and start a fire with coal and wood or would i need to do something to the fireplace first?

[PeteHull]

You would have to get the chimney tested by a gas fitter or fire specialist to make shure there are no leaks, I know the usual procedure is to have a liner installed which is a very costly business. You need to seek further advice before attempting a fire.

hth
Pete

[terambulan]

Place a hand mirror into the fire place to check the chimney is clear. If so and the fireplace has a concrete/brick base you can lay your fire on the base.

Coal is hard to find so burn logs....or start with newspaper and combustibles from your bin/garden weeds etc.

[ACB312]

It might be worthwhile contacting your local council about their rules for burning smokeless or otherwise fuels. It would be difficult to give a good answer without details of your fireplace and chimney, but if you are in an old property that has had a normal coal fire where you are intending to have the fire then there shouldn't be a problem as long as the fireplace and chimney are of sound construction. Sometimes the products of combustion of items other than coal may be at a higher temperature than the chimney can cope with (long term that is). Cheers, Andy

[spudqueen]

I'd get your chimney swept before lighting a fire. You don't know when it was last swept, and the last thing you want is a chimney fire. Look in your yellow pages. I had mine swept two years ago and it cost �35. Not much to pay for some peace of mind.