I was called in because Transco had turned off and made safe two gas fires, The reason yellow flames and the closure plate was not sealed. The home owner was a little concerned as this was her only form of heating. After two hours and 15 minutes I had this gas fire up and running after stripping it down and removing years of dust that had collected. The fire when it was fitted was second hand and did not come with the manufactures closer plate that had not been supplied when new so one was made up, but the all important air relief opening had not been cut out. When I removed the closure plate I found two buckets of sand and soot along with the green plastic protective covering that had not been removed. After thorough clean-up and after a visual  check of the flue I did a flue flow test which passed first time with no problem.

I then re-fitted the fire and advised that it was coming to the end of its life and that she should think of having it replaced.

Have your gas fires serviced or a get a safety check done.