Can I build a fire in my fireplace?

Factual Questions
1

  1. I live in a townhouse

  2. Other townhouses in my complex are able to burn wood fires.

  3. We have a functioning chimney, that looks to be clean to the point of unused.

  4. Key point: There is a small copper (I think) pipe - probably 2 feet long - hanging in the fireplace. I suppose it is there for the possibility of gas logs.
    If I build a wood-burning fire in said fireplace, will I blow myself to smitherines? I tend to think not, but I want to be absolutely certain?

What say you dopers?

2

Correction: The line is probably 3+ feet, and curved around.

3

I’m having trouble visualising the copper line. By “hanging” do you mean that it is coming out of the flue? In such a way that if you were to build the fire it would be in the path of the flames? Or is it on the bottom, underneath where you would place the logs?

If the latter, is there a valve anywhere nearby? Does the line have small holes along it? Is it capped at the end? If so I have seen something similar - it may be a gas line which you can use to get the fire started instead of kindling. If there’s no valve it may just be a line which could be used if you decided to put a gas-effect fire in, as you suggest.

The safest option is of course to get someone qualified (maybe a chimney sweep) to have a look and tell you whether it is safe to use.

4

I think it’s there so you could adapt your fireplace for gas log use; not sure if you could burn a wood fire. I don’t see why not.
Is there a property management association for your condo complex? They could probably tell you for sure.

5

In my townhouse I had to have a chimney sweep done every year before I could have a fire. Check with your property management company before lighting that fire.

6

Thanks for the help, all. I plan on asking as many people as possible prior to lighting this thing. We have had chimneys in other houses swept, so I will most certainly bring someone over to sweep this one.

The line comes from the lower part of the firebox, and has a cap at the end of it. I can’t imagine it’s for a gas lighter, but maybe so. I may have the gas company come out to let me know.