Did the Salaf differ on whether the Fire exists now?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. He says: Is it true that the Salaf (may Allah have mercy on them) differed on the existence of the Fire now, and that it is a created thing?

Answer:
O my brothers, do not investigate these matters. Do not investigate these matters. Allah said regarding Paradise that it was prepared for the righteous, and He said regarding the Fire that it was prepared for the righteous. The meaning of "prepared" is that it exists; it has existed since the beginning, from the very start. It exists, meaning "prepared" is a past tense verb: it was prepared for the righteous. Yes. And in the intense heat, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said that the breath of Hell is felt, which indicates that Allah made the winter, which is cold, and the breath in the summer, which is heat, indicates that it exists. Its breaths indicate its existence. Yes. And if Allah wills, we are obligated to go back and investigate whether Paradise exists now and the Fire exists now, or when they will exist. All of this is curiosity that has no benefit. Yes.