1) I get the feeling that basic and heavy weapons cannot be used in close combat, but I don't see where this is said in the rules. I can see where it says melee weapons and pistols CAN be used in close, but nothing that says they are the only ones, or that basic and heavy cannot.

2) Do flamers ignore armor or anything? Much like frag grenades, they were really underwhelming when used in combat. I can see where catching on fire could hurt, but causing a point of damage is very difficult given the low damage and lack of penetration.

Thanks for the help!

1) Page 244, The Attack: Melee attacks require the attacker to be engaged in melee combat with his target. Ranged attacks cannot be made if the attacker is engaged in melee unless he is firing a pistol class weapon. In either case, the attacker must be aware of his target.

2) Nope. They do ignore cover, but that's about it. Their major point is striking everything under their template.

But the D10 Damage from being on fire ignores armor.

Not only that while on fire those that are alight need to make WP checks to even do anything other than run around screaming, they take a point of fatigue every round they're on fire as well. Flamers, while not super high damage, are very mean especially when used by someone with the "Cleanse and Purify" talent.