I have a brick fireplace, I want to change it to tile. Do I use a cement backer board around fireplace over brick as opposed to regular drywall?

You can. I would never use drywall.

I have a Bis Panorama, airtight, wood burning fireplace. I studded the surround with metal studs and closed in with Durock New Generation cement board right up to the metal sides of the stove. I recently read that the NFPA does not consider the cement board a non-combustible. I contacted USG and they told me they do not recommend board products next to a fireplace. They also said the board was fired rated to 125 degrees F.. . I'M CONFUSED ! I thought that was the whole reason to use cement board.

Frank
[email protected]