I live in an old house in Brooklyn NY USA that has a fake fireplace that used to have a gas log apparatus. This has been long disconnected. The mantle is painted plaster or stone, securely attached somehow to the wall, and there is a wrought iron faceplate. I would like to install a gel firebox insert into the existing mantle. I will need to remove the lath and plaster wall that has been built a mere 10 inches behind the faceplate. What else will I need to do to make this safe? Any suggestions as to kits that might be appropriate and places to buy them from in the US?

Thanks for your guidance!

Paul