a metal screen before an open fire for protection (especially against flying sparks)
a protective barrier placed between the flames and the people sitting near the fireplace
An ornamental metal screen to be placed in front of a fireplace. Wire-filled screens prevent sparks from flying out of the hearth. Solid screens also protect against intense heat.
A fire screen began as a form of furniture that acted as a shield between an occupant of a room and the fireplace, and its primary function was to reduce the discomfort of excessive heat radiating from a log fire. Early firescreens usually were shaped as flat panels standing on attached feet, or as adjustable shield-shaped panels mounted on tripod table legs.