Black refractory assembly in rear of stove

[Anthony09]

I have new Vermont encore. I have done my break in fires, and immediately on starting first one a good portion of the ceramics in back turned black. Is this normal? Also should closing air supply all the way make fire go out or just slow down

 

[JohnDaileyNH]

One good hot fire should have the inside bricks all clean again. At least that's how mine works

I usually don't close my air supply down until my stove is hot. Like 600+ so I've never had it go out.