Is my Regency FP90 fireplace safe to use?

[rugbie]

Hello,

I have little previous experience with fireplaces. About a week ago I purchased a house built in 2006 that has a Regency FP90 fireplace built in. See the attached pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15140312@N03/sets/72157625659019052/

My basic question is: Does my fireplace appear to be safe to use, or does it need work before I use it?

And more specifically:
Why does my Regency fireplace have a square on the bottom with no firebrick?
(this is shown in the manual, but the manual doesn't explain why. see page 20 (broken link removed) )

Is there any evidence of excessive creosote buildup that should be cleaned?


This is my first post to this forum, thank you very much for the assistance, I am excited to find a active internet community supporting wood heat.

 

[Lighting Up]

Looks like your ash clean out page 20 of you manual also looks like your missing the brick. Read that manual cover to cover first.

If you don't know when the chimney was clean last then call a chimney sweep to inspect it first with the peace of mind...then burn on brother you'll love the heat. Great looking stove by the way!
md

 

[KB007]

That square in the middle looks like the asj clean out, there should be a plug that goes in there that you would need before you burn anything. Call Regency or your local dealer if you can't find the piece that goes in there.