I came across this [Finnish article](https://www.maaseuduntulevaisuus.fi/metsa/cf1e2094-f630-4f37-bf4f-684ca5f3e5ce?fbclid=IwAR3sETVfC7ruxacqTveCJDn7KSoJUp7pxTqHUdErhoU3u0HNrMdi5NMW8T0) stating that when typical heat-storing fireplaces common to Finland are installed in Germany, they have to omit the crucial *damper* due to the laws in Germany and Central-Europe in general, which stem from a fear of carbonmonoxide poisoning.
For those outside the loop: the damper is a part used to limit/cut off the draft to the chimney once the fire is burned out, keeping more of the stored heat from flowing out via air flow. There are also dampers for adjusting the amount of air draft to the hearth for adjusting the fire intensity.
The damper desing typical to Finland is just a sliding metal plate built into the fireplace and chimney. There are other designs out there, though most of which refer to open hearths. Knowing German ingenuity however, I’d imagine they might have more advanced dampers and the Finnish design just doesn’t fit that standard.
Don’t tell me y’all just vent the hot air directly out of the house! 😖