Sometimes when I start a fire in the fireplace, it makes some smoke that blows into the room. Are there any tips to prevent that?
Yes, there are several things you can do to prevent smoke from blowing into your room when you start a fire in the fireplace:

1. Open the damper: The damper is a small door in the chimney that allows smoke to escape. Make sure it is fully open before starting a fire.

2. Prime the flue: If the flue is cold, it can create a barrier that prevents smoke from escaping. To prevent this, prime the flue by lighting some newspaper and holding it up to the damper for a few minutes before lighting the fire.

3. Use dry wood: Wet or green wood can produce more smoke and contribute to creosote buildup in the chimney, which can increase the risk of a chimney fire. Use dry, seasoned wood instead.

4. Build a proper fire: Make sure you are building a proper fire, with kindling and small pieces of wood at the bottom, and larger logs on top. This helps the fire burn more efficiently, producing less smoke.

5. Use a fireplace grate: A fireplace grate can help improve air flow, making the fire burn more efficiently and reducing the amount of smoke produced.

6. Keep the area around the fireplace clean: Make sure the area around the fireplace is free of debris, such as leaves or twigs, which can be blown into the room by the draft created by the fire.

By following these tips, you can help prevent smoke from blowing into your room and enjoy a cozy fire in your fireplace.
What’s a damper? Is it possible my fireplace doesn’t have one?
A damper is a mechanical device that is used to control the airflow to a chimney. It is basically a metal plate that can be opened and closed to control the flow of air into the chimney. If your fireplace does not have a damper, then it is likely that it has a vent instead. A vent is a small opening in the wall of the fireplace that allows air to enter and exit. It is often used to allow cool air into the fireplace so that the fire will not overheat the area around it.