That fire illustrates why fireplaces are so inefficient. The heat and smoke rise but unless there is an inlet for air, the air flow up the chimney will stop and the room will fill with smoke. For a fireplace to work properly air must be able to come in from outside to replace the air going up the chimney. You have to bring cold air in through the cracks and crevices. Thus while the fireplace heats the room its in with radiant energy, it cools the rest of the house as it draws in cold air.
That fire illustrates why fireplaces are so inefficient. The heat and smoke rise but unless there is an inlet for air, the air flow up the chimney will stop and the room will fill with smoke. For a fireplace to work properly air must be able to come in from outside to replace the air going up the chimney. You have to bring cold air in through the cracks and crevices. Thus while the fireplace heats the room its in with radiant energy, it cools the rest of the house as it draws in cold air.