When a Fireplace Becomes a Fire Hazard: Why Safe Installation Matters More Than Ever
Most homeowners think of their fireplace as a cozy, aesthetic feature — especially here in the Phoenix area, where we enjoy our fireplaces more for ambiance than for heat. But as we’ve seen time and time again, what looks good on the outside can be a serious fire hazard on the inside.
We recently worked with a couple in Phoenix, AZ, who reached out to us about a vent-free gas fireplace that they had barely used — and for good reason. It had been installed years ago by a handyman, and while it looked okay visually, it had one major flaw: the wall above the fireplace got so hot when in use that they were afraid it might ignite.
When our technician arrived, he quickly realized the issue. The handyman didn’t follow the manufacturer’s clearance specifications. The fireplace cavity was over two and a half feet shy of the minimum safe distance from the top of the fireplace to the cavity ceiling. Worse, the wall above it was standard drywall — a combustible material.
To make matters worse, the fireplace wouldn’t even light anymore. And this couple was preparing to sell their home.
Improper Fireplace Installation Creates a Fire Hazard: A Common and Costly Mistake
We’ve seen this scenario play out more times than we’d like. Well-intentioned homeowners hire a “budget-friendly” handyman to build out a media wall or install a fireplace insert. And while the end result might look decent, what’s hidden behind the wall can be a liability — or worse, a safety risk.
Vent-free gas fireplaces in particular have very specific clearance requirements. They produce real flames and heat, but they don’t vent to the outside. That means heat buildup in the wall cavity can become dangerous fast if the space isn’t properly framed or ventilated.
In this case, the only reason nothing caught fire was because the homeowners stopped using it — but a future buyer might not be so cautious.
Our Solution: Electric Fireplace Conversion = No More Fire Hazard!
After assessing the situation, we offered the homeowners three options. They could:
- Remove the fireplace and drywall over the opening
- Rebuild the framing and install a new vented gas unit
- Convert the space to an electric fireplace
They chose option three — and we couldn’t agree more with their decision.
We removed the unsafe gas unit, ran a dedicated circuit, and installed the Modern Flames Redstone — a traditional-style electric fireplace that fit the wall perfectly and gave them a beautiful focal point with no venting or gas lines needed. Voila – no more fire hazard!
Best of all, it made the home more attractive to buyers, which their realtor pointed out right away.
Why Electric Fireplaces Are on the Rise in Phoenix
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: electric fireplaces are the fastest growing segment of our business.
For many homeowners in the Phoenix metro area, an electric fireplace is:
- ✅ A cost-effective way to modernize a space
- ✅ Perfect for media walls and under-TV installs
- ✅ Flexible in style (linear or traditional)
- ✅ Safe — no combustion, no clearance issues
- ✅ Easy to install — especially during a remodel or home prep for resale
And in cases like this one, they’re often the safest and smartest way to resolve a code violation or fire hazard.
Read the Full Case Study (With Before & After Photos)
We documented this entire project — including the backstory, before-and-after photos, and why the Modern Flames Redstone was the perfect choice.
You can also watch the full video walkthrough on our YouTube channel here:
https://youtu.be/jtnV8EJKIII?si=mBbzt61od33zBeVb
Click below to read the full story on our fireplace design blog:
Read the full case study at TheFirePlaceAZ.com. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint.
Need to Replace an Unsafe Fireplace?
Whether you’re remodeling, prepping to sell, or dealing with a fireplace that just doesn’t feel safe — we can help.
We serve homeowners in Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and the entire East Valley, and offer:
- ✅ In-home consultations
- ✅ Private showroom tours in Mesa, AZ
- ✅ Turn-key installation (no subcontractors)
- ✅ Design, framing, drywall, gas, electrical, and finish work
Book online now to schedule your consultation today!
