Empire White Mountain Hearth LS18P 18" Ponderosa Refractory Gas Log Set
The Empire White Mountain Hearth LS18P is an 18-inch, 13-piece Ponderosa refractory gas log set designed for compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner systems. Its individually positioned front, rear, middle, upper, and top logs create a full layered wood-fire appearance while the separately selected burner determines the fuel type, BTU input, ignition, controls, and final vented or vent-free operating configuration.
The LS18P includes the 13-piece Ponderosa refractory log set only. A compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner must be purchased separately.
Fuel type, BTU input, ignition, controls, gas pressure, fireplace dimensions, and final vented or vent-free configuration are determined by the compatible burner—not by the LS18P logs.
Full 13-Piece Ponderosa Fireplace Presentation
The LS18P is designed for buyers who want a compact 18" gas-log system without sacrificing the visual depth of a larger multi-piece arrangement.
Its 13 individually positioned refractory logs build depth across the front, rear, middle, upper, and top areas of the fireplace for a fuller traditional wood-fire appearance.
Empire prescribes the exact positioning of all 13 logs because correct placement supports proper burner performance, intended flame movement, and reduced risk of sooting.
Empire LS18P at a Glance
Brand
Empire White Mountain Hearth
Collection
Ponderosa
Model
LS18P
Manual Model
LS-18P-2
Product Type
Refractory Gas Log Set
Nominal Size
18"
Number of Logs
13 Pieces
Color
Brown
Made in USA
Yes
Is the LS18P Right for Your Fireplace?
Best For
- Buyers wanting an 18" Ponderosa refractory appearance.
- Compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner installations.
- Projects needing a fuller 13-piece log arrangement.
- Natural Gas configurations using the correct burner.
- Propane configurations using the correct burner.
- Manual-control burner systems.
- Millivolt remote-ready burner systems.
- Variable-flame burner systems.
- Intermittent-pilot burner systems.
- Approved vented or vent-free installations where permitted.
Choose Another Product If
- You need a complete burner-and-log package.
- Your existing burner is not approved for the LS18P.
- Your fireplace cannot meet the selected burner's dimensions.
- You want to rearrange or add logs.
- You need a vent-free installation in Canada.
- Your local jurisdiction prohibits the intended vent-free configuration.
What's Included?
Included
- 1 × Empire White Mountain Hearth LS18P 18" Ponderosa refractory log set
- 13 manufacturer-positioned refractory logs
Required Separately
- Compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner
- Correct Natural Gas or Propane burner configuration
- Ignition and control components associated with the selected burner
- Gas-supply components
- Fireplace or firebox meeting the selected burner's requirements
Compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze Burners
| Compatible Burner | Control / Ignition | Fuel Options |
|---|---|---|
| VFSE18N / VFSE18P | Intermittent Pilot with Thermostat Variable Remote Control | Natural Gas / Propane |
| VFSM18NAT / VFSM18LP | Manual Hi-Med-Low Control with Standing Pilot / Piezo | Natural Gas / Propane |
| VFSR18NAT / VFSR18LP | Millivolt, Remote Ready with Standing Pilot / Piezo | Natural Gas / Propane |
| VFSV18NAT / VFSV18LP | Variable Flame Height Control | Natural Gas / Propane |
| VSR18NAT / VSR18LP | Vented Millivolt with On/Off Switch | Natural Gas / Propane |
Natural Gas or Propane?
The LS18P refractory logs are not fuel-specific.
Natural Gas or Propane compatibility comes from the exact Slope Glaze burner installed beneath the logs.
Natural Gas
Select the corresponding Natural Gas version of the approved compatible burner.
Propane / LP
Select the corresponding Propane version of the approved compatible burner.
How Much Heat Does the LS18P Produce?
The LS18P does not have an independent BTU rating because it is the decorative refractory log set rather than the gas-burning appliance.
Applicable compatible 18" Slope Glaze burner configurations are rated at up to 32,000 BTU/hr, depending on burner model, control system, and fuel configuration.
Minimum Fireplace Dimensions by Burner
There is no single minimum fireplace dimension for the LS18P logs by themselves. Fireplace fit depends on the exact compatible burner.
| 18" Burner Configuration | Front Width | Rear Width | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFSM-18 | 32" | 21" | 14" | 17" |
| VFSR-18 | 28" | 17" | 14" | 17" |
| VFSV-18 | 28" | 17" | 14" | 17" |
| VFSE-18 | 28" | 17" | 14" | 17" |
Compatible Empire Fireboxes
The supplied manufacturer brochure identifies the 18" LS18P for use with these Empire firebox families when paired with the appropriate burner:
VFD32FB
Manufacturer-listed compatible firebox family.
VFP32FB
Manufacturer-listed compatible firebox family.
VFS32FB
Manufacturer-listed compatible firebox family.
Vented vs. Vent-Free Installation
Vent-Free Configuration
- Use an approved compatible vent-free burner.
- Provide adequate combustion and ventilation air.
- Meet all fireplace and combustible-clearance requirements.
- Follow the exact 13-log arrangement.
- Confirm state and local vent-free requirements.
Vented Decorative Configuration
- Use an appropriate compatible vented burner.
- Follow the applicable flue and damper requirements.
- Maintain the fireplace according to manufacturer instructions.
- Verify the exact installation requirements before operation.
Canadian Installation Restriction
The supplied Ponderosa manufacturer instructions limit Canadian installations to an approved vented configuration.
Correct 13-Piece Ponderosa Log Placement
Empire provides a manufacturer-prescribed sequence for all 13 LS18P logs.
| Position | Log |
|---|---|
| 1 | Front Left Log |
| 2 | Rear Left Log |
| 3 | Rear Right Log |
| 4 | Front Right Log |
| 5 | Rear Center Log |
| 6 | Middle Left Log |
| 7 | Middle Right Log |
| 8 | Upper Middle Right Log |
| 9 | Middle Center Log |
| 10 | Upper Middle Left Log |
| 11 | Top Center Log |
| 12 | Top Right Log |
| 13 | Top Left Log |
Glowing Ember & Decorative Media Placement
Empire provides LS-18P-2-specific instructions for glowing-ember placement.
- Place glowing embers only where shown in the manufacturer manual.
- Do not cover large burner ports.
- Do not place decorative lava rock directly on the burner.
- Do not place small decorative wood pieces directly on the burner.
- Use decorative materials only where permitted by the applicable installation instructions.
Combustion Air, Drafts & Burner Cleanliness
Combustion Air
Vent-free installations require adequate combustion and ventilation air.
Avoid Direct Drafts
Do not allow ceiling fans, portable fans, or other airflow sources to blow directly into the fireplace.
Keep Air Openings Clear
Keep burner and primary-air openings free of dirt, lint, pet hair, and other obstructions.
Existing Wood-Burning Fireplace Preparation
Before installing the LS18P with a compatible gas burner into an existing solid-fuel-burning fireplace, Empire instructs that the fireplace and chimney be properly prepared.
- Clean soot from the firebox and chimney flue.
- Remove creosote buildup.
- Remove ashes.
- Remove loose paint.
- Follow the applicable burner manual for gas-supply and final installation requirements.
Installation & Safety Requirements
- Installation and applicable gas service should be performed by a qualified installer or qualified service agency.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions and applicable codes.
- Use only manufacturer-approved logs and components.
- Position all 13 logs exactly as specified.
- Do not operate with broken, damaged, or incorrectly positioned logs.
- Provide adequate combustion and ventilation air where required.
- Do not allow fans or drafts to alter the burner flame pattern.
- Keep burner and primary-air openings unobstructed.
- Do not place additional logs, debris, or unapproved materials on the burner.
- Follow the glowing-ember and decorative-media instructions.
- Have the fireplace, burner, and venting system inspected and serviced as required by the manufacturer.
Complete Empire LS18P Specifications
| Brand | Empire White Mountain Hearth |
|---|---|
| Collection | Ponderosa |
| Model | LS18P |
| Manufacturer Manual Model | LS-18P-2 |
| Product Type | Refractory Gas Log Set |
| Log Style | Ponderosa |
| Nominal Size | 18" |
| Number of Logs | 13 Pieces |
| Construction | Refractory |
| Color | Brown |
| Burner Included | No |
| Required Burner Size | 18" |
| Compatible Burner System | Empire Slope Glaze |
| Fuel Type | Determined by Compatible Burner |
| Compatible Burner Fuels | Natural Gas or Liquid Propane, Depending on Burner Model |
| Burner Control Options | Manual, Millivolt, Variable Flame, or Intermittent Pilot Depending on Burner |
| Maximum Compatible 18" Burner Input | Up to 32,000 BTU/hr for Applicable Configurations |
| Application | Vented or Vent-Free Depending on Burner, Installation, and Applicable Codes |
| Log Placement | Manufacturer-Prescribed 13-Piece Arrangement |
| Compatible Empire Fireboxes | VFD32FB, VFP32FB, VFS32FB |
| Shipping Weight | 47 lb |
| Country of Manufacture | USA |
| Other Ponderosa Sizes | 24" and 30" |
Compare Ponderosa Log Set Sizes
18" Ponderosa
LS18P — This Product
Flame Authority Expert Recommendation
Choose the Empire White Mountain Hearth LS18P when you specifically want an 18" 13-piece Ponderosa refractory log presentation and have identified a compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner.
Its strongest advantage is the unusually full 13-piece layout for an 18" system, giving the fireplace more visual depth while still allowing you to select the burner fuel, control style, and installation configuration separately.
Before ordering, verify the exact burner model, Natural Gas or Propane supply, control system, fireplace dimensions, compatible firebox, vented or vent-free configuration, combustion-air requirements, log placement, glowing-ember placement, and applicable local requirements.
Official Manufacturer Resources
Empire LS18P FAQs
Does the Empire LS18P include a burner?
No. The LS18P includes the 13-piece Ponderosa refractory log set only. A compatible 18" burner is required and sold separately.
What burner is compatible with the LS18P?
Use an approved compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner such as the applicable VFSE18, VFSM18, VFSR18, VFSV18, or VSR18 configuration.
Is the LS18P Natural Gas or Propane?
The LS18P logs are not independently fuel-specific. Natural Gas or Propane is determined by the compatible burner selected for the installation.
How many logs are included?
The LS18P includes 13 Ponderosa refractory logs.
How much heat does the LS18P produce?
The LS18P itself does not have a standalone BTU rating. Applicable compatible 18" burners provide up to 32,000 BTU/hr.
What are the minimum fireplace dimensions?
Requirements depend on the burner. Applicable VFSE-18, VFSR-18, and VFSV-18 configurations use a minimum of 28" front width × 17" rear width × 14" depth × 17" height, while VFSM-18 requires 32" front × 21" rear × 14" depth × 17" height.
Which Empire fireboxes are listed for the LS18P?
The supplied manufacturer brochure identifies VFD32FB, VFP32FB, and VFS32FB.
Can the LS18P be installed vent-free?
Yes, when paired with an approved compatible vent-free burner and installed where vent-free operation is permitted.
Can the LS18P be used as a vented gas log set?
Yes, when paired with an appropriate compatible burner and installed according to the manufacturer's vented-installation requirements.
Can the LS18P be installed vent-free in Canada?
No. The Ponderosa manufacturer instructions limit Canadian installations to an approved vented configuration.
Can I rearrange or add logs?
No. Use only the approved 13 logs in the manufacturer-prescribed positions.
Where should glowing embers be placed?
Place glowing embers only in the locations shown in the LS-18P-2 installation instructions. Do not cover large burner ports.
Can lava rock be placed directly on the burner?
No. Decorative lava rock or small decorative wood pieces should not be placed directly on the burner.
Does an existing wood-burning fireplace need to be cleaned first?
Yes. The chimney flue and firebox should be cleaned of soot, creosote, ashes, and loose paint before installation.
Can fans affect the gas-log flame?
Yes. Do not allow ceiling fans, portable fans, or other direct drafts to alter the burner flame pattern.
Does the LS18P require professional installation?
Gas piping, burner installation, testing, repair, and applicable servicing should be performed by a qualified installer or qualified service agency.
What other Ponderosa sizes are available?
The Ponderosa refractory log-set family is also available in 24" and 30" sizes.
Before You Order
Confirm Before Purchase
- You specifically need the Empire LS18P.
- You want the 18" 13-piece Ponderosa configuration.
- You have identified a compatible 18" Empire Slope Glaze burner.
- You have confirmed Natural Gas or Propane fuel.
- You have selected the correct control and ignition configuration.
- Your fireplace meets the exact burner's dimensional requirements.
- You have confirmed vented or vent-free installation requirements.
- You can provide adequate combustion and ventilation air for vent-free use.
- You can meet all required clearances.
- You will follow the exact 13-log placement sequence.
- You will follow the glowing-ember placement instructions.
- You understand that the burner and controls are sold separately.
Do Not Assume
- That the burner is included.
- That every 18" burner is compatible.
- That the logs determine fuel type.
- That the LS18P itself produces 32,000 BTU/hr.
- That all compatible burners require the same firebox dimensions.
- That nominal 18" log size alone guarantees fireplace fit.
- That Natural Gas and Propane burner versions are interchangeable.
- That vented and vent-free requirements are identical.
- That vent-free installation is permitted everywhere.
- That vent-free installation is permitted in Canada.
- That the 13 logs can be rearranged freely.
- That glowing embers or lava rock may cover burner ports.
