Original fireplace

[Nmoat]

Hi there,

There is a tiny fireplace in my new flat. I’d really love to get it working. I have a stupid question though - there is only a tiny gap for the smoke to go up. It is maybe an inch wide across the length of the fireplace. The back slopes in to seal this gap with tapered stone or something. Is it meant to be like this!? I am confused as to whether it has been blocked. The sloped stone looks like it is fitted and meant to be there, but how does the smoke escape!?

It could be a damper? Get a HETAS registered chimney sweep to come and take a look, you'll need to get the chimney swept anyway at the very least.

You won’t regret it once winter sets in.

Pay a sweep they are ridiculously cheep compared to the knowledge and service they give .