Yeah, I had one like this. The gas starter is there for convenience.
No safety concerns if the fp has been verified to be in working order. Also, you should have a fp screen and/or door.
Would be better if you had an experience person walk you through the lighting procedure, but this is how I did it...

1) Open the flue/damper.
2) Turn ON the gas starter (low) and light immediately.
3) Wait about a minute to allow the flue to heat up, so it draws the smoke upward.
4) Add your kindling or smaller pieces of wood to get the fire started.
5) Then add some larger pieces of wood once fire is established.
6) Close the screen.
7) Turn OFF the gas starter.
8) enjoy.

Warning:
Never go to bed with a fire going.
Allow it to burn out and close the doors
(if you have them). Also, I usually leave the
flue open until the next day.