Gas Fireplace Pilot Light?

I'm staying at my mum's condo and she has a gas fireplace. All it takes to turn it on and have a fire is the flip of a switch on the wall. But I've noticed that even after the switch is turned to the off position and the fire is gone, the pilot light remains on. I've never had this type of fireplace before, and I'm wondering if the pilot being on 24/7 is safe.