Your question is in the Carpet Cleaner category but no matter...
If your remote control shows a light when you operate it that may show that it's working - can't be absolutely certain but it's a good sign.
If this is a Gas Fire
On my fire - and I suspect yours too - the fire grate itself has a receiver and a gas valve and an ignition system that also has a battery - it will be a more robust battery to give the power required to open the gas valve and make a spark.
You might look to the battery in the grate.
The battery in the remote control will last several times longer that the battery in the fire itself.
Good luck..., April 2015