>>What good are fireplaces if you cant burn wood?
Most fireplaces are very inefficient for heating a home. Most of the heat is lost up and out the chimney.
There are much better solutions for heating with wood:
Rocket Stoves: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6qkWbxcri_eeQ8tVKaZXDb1waoCe3RQ2
Fascinating videos: thank you! :-)