I have a fireplace with glass doors. You will need a screen sparks will exit
the firebox. I burn with the doors open. If I am leaving it unattended (i.e.
going to bed) I close the doors. This not only for safety but to save house
heat from going up the chimney till I get up in the morning and close the
damper.

"Walter Cohen" wrote in message
...
Hello.
The house we bought has a fireplace and this will be our first winter
where
we can actually make use of it.
As we've never had a fireplace before I want to make sure I use it
correctly.
I've checked out several sights on the net about how to build fires and
how
to prime the flue, etc.

One question I have is on the use (or not) of fireplace doors. My
fireplace
has two glass doors (no screens). From what I can tell the most common
recommendation is to leave any doors open while the fire is burning.

Thoughts on this?
When should/could the doors be closed?
Do you think it would be a good idea to obtain a screen for the from of
the
fireplace?

Thanks,
Walter