A flame simulator includes a light beam source that projects a beam of light, a flame screen, a light beam mover that imparts movement to at least a part of the light beam source, and a range limiter. The light beam source includes a light source adapted to produce light and at least one light conditioner adapted to act on the light from the light source to produce the beam of light with a color, size and shape that mimics a flame when the beam strikes the flame screen. The range limiter is operatively associated with the light beam source so that the beam of light, when being projected, strikes at least a portion of the flame screen and causes illumination of the flame screen by the beam of light.