Ditto to Kev & Wonderwino. I'm ashamed to note I did not immediately pick up on that fire hazzard, having been a volunteer fireman for 27 of my "39" years. [embarassed]
Tinker
Perhaps an 8-10" high steel "back splash" attached behind the cabinet would mitigate most of the danger without significantly blocking the view. I'd round the upper corners and give them the option of either raw steel or stove black for the finish.