We've just moved into a townhouse that has a gas fireplace. The living room has laminate flooring that goes right up to the edge of the fireplace.

We want to put an area rug in the living room, but aren't sure how close we can put it to the fireplace. The book that came with it, says not to put combustibles any closer than 48 inches from the front of the fireplace.

I find this confusing. Laminate flooring isn't non combustible. The floor in front of the fireplace barely feels warm.

Can I safely put an area rug in the room within a few inches of the fireplace? Thanks.