Fire iron

A fire iron is any metal instrument for tending a fire. Fire irons usually come in a fireplace tool set.

Types of fire irons

There are three types of tools commonly used to tend a small fire, such as an indoor fireplace fire, or yule log: the spade, the tongs and the poker itself. These tools make it possible to handle a fire without risk of burns or blisters.

A fireplace poker, (also known as a fire iron) is a short, rigid rod, preferably of fireproof material, used to adjust coal and wood fuel burning in a fireplace, and can be used to stir up a fire. A fireplace poker is usually metallic and has a point at one end for pushing burning materials (or a hook for pulling/raking, or a combination) and a handle at the opposite end, sometimes with an insulated grip. Iron is the most popular metal from which the pokers are wrought. Brass is a more expensive alternative for a home poker set.

A slice bar has a flatter tip and can be used to stir up the fire or to clear the grates of ashes. Other fires irons include the fire rake (not to be confused with the firefighter's tool), fire tongs, and fire shovel.