[ama357]

I bought a house built in 1928. It has an old coal fireplace and the interior brick mortar has cracked on the front and pulled away from the walls. The flue has been filled and I do not intend to use it in any way as a fireplace, but do want the appearance of a fireplace inside. Can I remove the interior brick and replace it with a wooden front? I have no idea what is behind the brick and worry about the safety of removing the brick.