Article: Fired up about gas; `Throw another cubic foot of gas on the fire' would be hard to work into a song lyric, but it would speak to today's reality. Gas fireplaces are the trend in new construction.(VARIETY)

A wood fire in the fireplace has long been a popular antidote to the miseries of winter. But the tradition is changing. An increasing number of Minnesotans are snuggling in front of gas hearths.

In the metro area, gas fireplaces are now more popular than wood burners in new construction.

"Eighty to 85 percent of new fireplaces are gas," said Steve Fredrickson, general manager of Fireside Corner in Roseville.

That preference means higher value for homes with gas fireplaces, some real-estate agents say.

The biggest reason for the popularity of gas is convenience.

"It can take an hour before you get a nice fire going with wood," ...

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