Fireplace Manufacturers Inc.: The Santa Ana company...

Fireplace Manufacturers Inc.: The Santa Ana company reported net income of $269,000 for the third quarter ended Dec. 31, down 15% from the $316,000 posted a year ago. Sales declined 16% to $6.9 million from $8.2 million. Net earnings for the nine months gained 21% to $869,000 from $721,000 for the same nine months in the prior year. Sales were down 13% to $22 million from $25.3 million. The company said the sales decline resulted from eliminating less profitable customers and product lines. The company also pointed out that it closed between Christmas and New Year’s but remained open for business during the same period in 1996.