Hi Folks, new to the forum and wood burning. Bought a house with an old Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace (I believe that’s what the manual said, old owner left it for me). Inside the stove I noticed a crust all around it and not sure if that is 40+ years of hardened ash gunk or supposed to be there. Anyone have any ideas? I don’t want to try to scrape it off unless I have some idea. Thanks for any tips!
![Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/287/287250-a7fcc49f14e3a6a9262af4aca67b9236.jpg)
![Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/287/287247-9694b5a88011c6b9ed83fd6f1de27e1b.jpg)
![Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/287/287248-e91ee01ab5be7db1c575b95f0950a08a.jpg)
![Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/287/287249-f0cc1fbab1d3268a310c718d355ac5cb.jpg)
![Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace Alaska Kodiak Pedestal Fireplace](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/287/287250-a7fcc49f14e3a6a9262af4aca67b9236.jpg)