From looking on line (link below - see page 4) it appears that there is the usual requirement for non-combustible material on the wall above the range and below the hood. Countertops can be installed on both sides of the GE Monogram range, but any side wall adjoining the countertops must be at least 12" away from the range burners. I assume this is because of the intense heat that can be generated by the burners. I'm not sure exactly what you are calling a "fireplace" that you are installing this range in. Is it totally brick from floor to hood, or only from the cooktop surface up? I recommend you check with your architect, contractor, and your GE dealer (and check local codes), but my guess is that you will be fine if you plan on installing the range within a brick "fireplace"(?) that provides a suitably insulated noncombustible surface on both sides. The drawing accompanying the GE Monogram installation manual shows what appears to be a sheet-rocked wall (not brick) 12" away from the cooktop, but better safe than sorry. BTW - Re: the "fireplace" that you are installing the range within. One other thing you might want to consider is the width of the range hood above. Although we're installing a 48" GE Monogram hood above our 48" range (doing this because we got a terrific deal on the exhaust hood, and I think it will be adequate), there are many folks on the forum that recommend that your hood be at least 6 inches wider than your cooktop. Do a search on this forum and you'll find plenty of threads on the topic. You might want to figure out your hood before you lock yourself into a particular width of brick "fireplace." Here is a link that might be useful: Installation Manual for GE Mongram 36

As long as both flues are adequately lined you will be fine but check local codes to be sure. The most common problem you could run into is if flues have cracks, smoke and gasses can be sucked from one flue into an unused flue and into house. I would reccomend hiring a professional to do a thorough inspection of you chimney and especially the flue tiles or liners. You may also want to consider installing top sealing dampers to keep negetive air pressure from sucking the exhust from one flue down the other. You can find more info about this on this website www.southernchimneysweep.com Here is a link that might be useful: Southern Chimney Sweep

I LOVE my gel fireplace, I bought it from QVC a few weeks ago, if you go to their site and type in Gel Fireplaces, quite a few styles will come up. Mine came with two gel cans. When lit, it does send out some heat (if needed, which I don't), I bought it for the very realisic look of a real fireplace, the gel, is the kind that puts out a "cackle" sound just like it would sound with real wood burning. I also do not notice any odor from the gel burning. I already had 2 tall bookcases that I put next to it to flank the fireplace, I am working towards a English country style libary den, so far it is looking pretty good. It was fairly easy to put together, and it came well wrapped with no damage, which is something that always concerns me when ordering on line, but even if it arrived damaged QVC is excellent about returning things. I think you will be very pleased with the gel fireplace.

I miss the gas fireplaces in my last house. It didn't have the sound of a wood burning fire, but it was so nice waking up in the AM by the fire. I liked the convenience of switching it on and off when wanted. Our present house only has wood burning fireplaces. The one we never used and the other only once in a while. I love the warmth, but not the dragging in the wood and clean up. Camp is small (1300 sq ft) and really doesn't have the room for a fireplace :(