Want a fire for Christmas, please help me

[tryingtolearn]

NEVER used a fireplace in my life. Just bought a new home. Was told they used it last year with no issues.

However, I am a TOTAL BEGINNER. I always thought you looked up a chimney and you saw all the way to the top. However, mine you look up and about 2 feet up it is flat/covered. You dont see to the top.

There is a nob to open the "damper" (i'm assuming) but when i turn the nob it just turns this big screw/spring inside the fireplace but I don't physically see anything happen other than the screw/spring moving. Is this normal?

I'm adding pictures, PLEASE help!

 

[oldspark]

guessing here but it looks like that screw is supposed to open that flap that's right there, not sure if I am seeing it correctly.

 

[tryingtolearn]

OK. Got the damper open. Now i'm not sure if they used this often, if there is a lot of creosote or what not. hmm.

 

[xtrordinair]

yes continue to turn the screw handle, if it doesnt move the damper plate you can help it with a little push from anything that will reach up to it.make sure you try turning both directions first.

 

[mark cline]

If turning the knob at least 10 turns , it should open .It looks like turning to the right will open it . If it doesn't open you need to look at it while somebody turns it and you should see the screw turn . If not, the square rod that the knob is attached to could be turning inside the screw part , then it is stripped. You might be able to turn it by hand .
I just reread your post , did you try to pull the knob out????????? Trying to help , but never had a fireplace.

 

[andybaker]

Keep trying. I know how nice it is to have a fire on Christmas Day. Good Luck and Merry Christmas

 

[begreen]

Shine a bright light up the chimney and take a picture. When in doubt, don't burn.

 

[jeff_t]

http://www.csia.org/search

Find a certified sweep in your area and have it inspected.

 

[Motor7]

http://www.csia.org/search

Find a certified sweep in your area and have it inspected.

x2

Nothing says Christmas like flames shooting out of your chimney and the wail of sirens...........

 

[oldspark]

x2

Nothing says Christmas like flames shooting out of your chimney and the wail of sirens...........

With Santa's ass on fire.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Yes, lets see more pics with it open, shine a bright light on it...

 

[Bowow]

on that metal pig tail piece there should be a set screw usually a allen head screw. make sure it is in there and it is tight. my fireplace had the same problemi would turn the knob and nothing happened. the screw was loose and it was able to open. tightened it down and wahlaaa worked great. Def have the fireplace checked out.

 

[begreen]

Was the chimney inspected as part of the home purchase? If so, what does the report say about its condition?

 

[JA600L]

Does your homeowner insurance policy cover burning firewood? That would be my first concern. Usually there is a surcharge.

 

[Motor7]

TTL? Where did ya go???

Btw, begreen that is an awesome avatar!

 

[begreen]

Thx. Took it last week during the big deep freeze.