Gas fired wood fireplace - why don’t I see many?

[Don2222]

Hello
Went to a restaurant today and sat next to a nice fireplace. I could see ashes and wood sitting on a great and it looked like a nice all wood fire. After watching it for a while, I though it was strange that the flame was still the same! So I had Togo in for a close look and saw a heavy metal rod under the wood grate coming in through the masonry providing the fire and the fire ports were on the bottom so the wood ash would not fall thru the grate and clog them up! I have never seen wood and gas together like this. I know being an open fireplace it is not very efficient. Is there any other draw backs to this setup?
It is very pretty.
Seee Pics

 

[bholler]

Looks just like a log lighter to me. They are meant to just be used to light the wood.

 

[webby3650]

We install dozens and dozens of log lighters. It’s very common in a masonry fireplace. Restaurants will often leave them run for a couple of reasons: it’s pretty, the wood isn’t very seasoned, the extra heat from the gas helps keep the draft going up. Downdrafts are very common in restaurants because of the kitchen exhaust fans.

 

[Don2222]

Yes
It is a Log Lighter bar !
Restaurants around here are starting to have them.
Just like this one.
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Sioux-Chief-955-12-HearthMaster-Log-Lighter-Kit-2-FIP-Inlets-16-Flame-Outlets?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj46foMfp2AIVXbbACh3KcwQ5EAQYASABEgLA5PD_BwE

Thanks