An electric fire is disclosed that is configured to provide for a controlled generation of simulated fire effects. The fire is controllable using a touch screen panel located within an active area defined within a front screen of the fire, such that a user can simultaneously control the fire while looking at the resultant fire effects generated. The active area includes a light source configured to illuminate the controls of the touch screen panel so as to enable a user to select an appropriate control, the light source being configured to extinguish after a predetermined period has elapsed since a touching of the touch screen panel.