desirable configuration for example in an alternate embodiment not shown the top 18 of the firebox 10 can be formed by planar walls that slope downward from the front 20 of the firebox 10 and mate at the back 21 of the firebox 10 or planar walls that slope upward from the front of the firebox 10 and mate at the back 21 of the firebox in yet another embodiment the top 18 of the firebox 10 may be constructed in a horizontal position other configurations for the top 18 of the firebox 10 are readily apparent to those of skill in the art and are included within the scope of the invention a front wall 11 is mounted to the front 20 of the firebox 10 preferably the front wall 11 is formed from a heat resistant transparent material such as glass or heat resistant plastic more preferably the front wall 11 is mounted to the firebox 10 such that the interface between the front wall 11 and the firebox is airtight or semi airtight to prevent air loss from the room if the interface between the firebox 10 and the front wall 11 is not substantially airtight combustion air taken from the room may reduce the amount of oxygen in the room if the room is tightly sealed or alternately may create a partial vacuum which takes in cold air or air from other parts of the building into the room to be heated thus cooling the room to be heated in one embodiment the glass front wall 11 is capable of being removed from the firebox 10 or opened to provide access to the firebox 10 the front wall 11 can be planar as shown in the figures or non planar not shown for example the front.