I’m not usually an ass on purpose, and it wouldn’t occur to me at all, lighting my fireplace, that I might be smoking out my neighbors. Maybe knock and explain it politely?
a controlled fire has this calming, relaxing effect - it’s probably a subconscious/instinctual remnant of our ancient ancestors. it’s useful, warms the place up, is pretty entertaining to watch, you can use it to make smores, and it’s super cheap. like, wood literally grows on trees.