About Us

What is it about fire that so fascinates us? Ever since our earliest simian ascestors living in caves built their first fire, this primal element has been synonymous with light, warmth, comfort, and indeed, human culture itself. The ancient Greeks, recognizing how important fire was to the development of their civilization, even had a story to explain its origin: the divine Prometheus stole this boon from Mt.Oympus and presented it as a gift to humanity, so that people would no longer have to live like animals, but rather, like godscreatures not enslaved to the elements, but the master of them.

To this day, with all our modern conveniences and high-tech toys, very few things in this world hold our interest and give so much pleasure as a simple crackling fire in a fireplace, with tongues of flame licking up and bright coals glowing in the dark. It looks good, it sounds good, it smells good, and it feels good. And anyone who has had the experience of sitting in front of a fireplace knows full well how easy it is to stare dreamily into that fire for hours on end, perfectly content.

Since prehistoric times, "the hearth" has been the center point of our domestic lives. And even now most people would agree: nothing brings a family or small intimate social group closer together than sitting around a fireplace and talking the night away.

Meet the Fireplace Expert

My name is Bill Goudy, and I have worked for over 10 years as a professional chimney sweep in upstate New York, where winters are long and cold, and even summer evenings can get cool enough for a nice cozy fire. In my neck of the woods, many people use their fireplaces year-round. Taking care of people's fireplaces so that they work properly is how I make my living.

So if there's one thing I know, it's fireplaces! I have created this site not only to sell affordable, high-quality fireplace tools and accessories, but also as a free online resource for visitors who may own (or plan to own) a fireplace and want to know more about:

• how to use it most efficiently;
• what fuel and fireplace accessories to buy; and
• the safety precautions you should take for the optimum fireplace experience.

I hope you find the information on this site useful. If you have any comments on the site or questions about your fireplace, please don't hesitate to email me.