Remove structure underneath?

[pezboy]

I have 2 chimneys in my 1927 house. I was told I should remove the wood structure in the basement which is directly touching the bricks. I believe the wood was used to hold the bricks together as they were being mortared in. These bricks are not the bricks for the floor of the fireplaces. I don't see any signs of damage or heat/fire to the structure but understand they might be a fire hazard. 2 questions.
1. If I remove the wood structure beneath the bricks do I need to put in a metal support?
2. I have drywall in the ceiling beneath one of the fireplaces. Do I need to put in some type of fire resistant material between the bricks and drywall?

Thanks

 

[pezboy]

bump

 

[begreen]

What is actually under the brick, just the first 2x10 or all 3? Hopefully just the first one which should come out relatively easily. I haven't heard of putting in metal before rocking over, but it won't hurt anything.