Just an FYI, but the attached photo of my house. We re-modeled in ‘14 and tore out the old stone fireplace. it was at least 100 yrs old and had a stone and firebrick base. You would not be concerned about it simply looking at it. Once it was out I had to repair the floor. Notice the burned flooring adjoining the concrete. When you heat wood to A high temp repeatedly you lower the kindling temp of that wood. Basically you are making charcoal and when it goes far enough it will ignite…maybe, but definitely unexpectedly. “Gee, it was never a problem.” Kenskip, keep a fire extinguisher by the door and try to let your fires die down some in the evening. I am sorry for your health issues. this getting old is everything it is cracked up to be. As my Dad said, “Golden years my ***!” Hope you are feeling better.
