do i HAVE to buy a fireplace screen?

i am renting, short of money. there are no rugs or furniture near fireplace. there is 1 foot of tile right in front of the fireplace opening, and then hardwood floors. is it "suggested" but not "necessary" to get a screen?

Public Comments

1. You are renting and will be responsible for damage to the floor.Hot embers need a fire screen to protect you and the floor.Check a second hand store for a screen.
2. Buy a cheap rug from Big Lots or the dollar store to protect your floor. Does it have the normal chain screen right in front? if not then yeah you probably need a screen unless you want to burn the place down...JK :) But seriously if you don't have some kind of metal protection a log can roll off at any time: and truth be told no one watches their fires constantly!
3. Don't use the fireplace and you won't have a problem.
4. having a fire place myself I know that wood pops when its buring and can send hot ash's and little pieces of burning wood flying so I would get a screen unless you dont care about your deposit good luck
5. Screen is a must !
6. How's your insurance? I'll bet the cost of the deductible is higher than the cost of a fireplace screen. Also, fireplaces are net energy wasters. If you're short of cash, it'd be cheaper to close the damper, put in some insulation and put a nice vase or such in the fireplace for decoration. http://www.blackhillspower.com/fireplce.htm http://www.leeric.lsu.edu/energy/fireplaces/
7. Ask the landlord. Since this can be a safety issue, I believe he/she should provide one. Mention 'safety issue for his/her property' when asking.
8. Preferred. Logs in the fire place can pop and send sparks farther then one foot from it. Also get fire insurance even for renters . Sparks burn hard wood floor you have to pay to restore floor, large bucks for this.
9. no, you can die in a fire, or no if you don't use the fireplace..