Fox Fireback, While many people think of our Firebacks as being purely decorative, they do indeed serve several very practical purposes. Solid cast iron firebacks absorb heat and then radiate the heat directly into the room, making the fireplace much more efficient in heating the house. Also, firebacks protect firebrick, increasing the life of the fireplace. For use with gas log or wood burning fireplaces. Firebacks are designed to rest on the floor of the hearth, however, fireback boots may be used to hold the fireback upright and raise it off the hearth floor if extra height is desired.