Is it really like that with firewood where you are? Here (Berlin area) you can buy it anytime in any quantity and variety for different prices, whether through private or company classifieds or at the hardware store, freshly cut or already dry. Especially after the storms in winter, there is still so much lying around, that shouldn't be a problem for a long time. For me, the fireplace would be the last thing I would give up. A fire bowl outside would not be an alternative, that gives no warmth inside.
We are actually in need and haven't received a delivery for 2 years. It is very important to me, I need the heat source… for 2 years it has been sold out here. And if available, then at a horrendous price. You can order online in an emergency, but what crazy prices (at the moment). Yes, we could have collected storm wood. But when you come home in semi-darkness, and the man isn't fit, then you take the hardware store stuff in an emergency. I have always been pro-fireplace, but today's times and the outlook for the future change a lot. Climate, resources… our descendants will have to restrict themselves. And that also applies to today's house construction. The time for many things is over. My opinion.