Opening up a fireplace for a wood burner

[Simon144]

I have removed the old surround and exposed the brickwork.
I believe it is ok to remove the bricks inside the red line. (See attached pics)
There is a curved row of half bricks above the red line.
Or do I need to put in a lintel.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Cheers
Simon

 

[Wayners]

You need to knock out and see how it looks.
Might be ok if the curved bricks was original and the current after alteration comes out easy.

 

[DAZB]

What you have there is the original opening which has the arched header and it has been built in some time ago to create the smaller opening with the rectangular lintel. All the brickwork inside the red lines can be removed along with the lower lintel and it will expose the original cavity with the arched top still in place. Take it easy on the demo and it will make less mess as it will be a dirty job so cover up anything you don't want turning black.

 

[Simon144]

Thank you.