was hoping someone could advise. i am a mason. i have built fireplaces for years, and 3 years ago i finally built one for myself. pic attached. i have a brush on a chain i use to clean the 18"x18" flue, but the smokechamber and smoke shelf is another story. i've been taping a wire brush to a pole to get up in there. it works somewhat, but alot of the creosote ends up on smokeshelf and i cant get at it. i'm worried it's building up there and i dont want a chimney fire. i burn it all the time in winter. i really love the fireplace, but i'm worried if i cant clean it good i'm just asking for a chimney fire. i dont want an insert, but it would solve my cleaning problem if i run a ss liner down to stove.......??? what to do? any suggestions appreciated - mike