On 15 Mar 2006 10:49:57 -0800, wrote:

You cannot attach anything directly to the brick. You need to maintain
at least a 2" clearance between the chimney and any combustible
materials like wood. Your local codes may require more spacing. If
you want to cover it in, build a partition wall around it attaching the
top the ceiling joists and the bottom to the concrete floor.

Or you could just plaster it. Is it big enough (2' on any side)
to count as a "wall" all by itself, and therefore require power
outlets? That changes the rules, if it is.