fireguard

[ fahyuh r-gahrd ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌgɑrd /

a person trained in fire prevention and safety: We're looking for volunteer fireguards for Sunday's performance.

a protective framework of wire in front of a fireplace; a fire screen.

a strip of cleared land made to check the spread of a forest or prairie fire; a firebreak.

Origin of fireguard

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; fire + guard

His is broken and I can mend it while he puts in his fireguard with mine.

Winning the Wilderness |Margaret Hill McCarter
Officials give the most detailed domestic directions about the fireguard; only they do not give the fireguard.

Appreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens |G. K. Chesterton
It does not see that they have got a fire; it only punishes them for not having a fireguard.

Eugenics and Other Evils |G. K. Chesterton
Scissors and matches must not be left lying about, and a fireguard must be fixed in position so that it cannot be disturbed.

The Nervous Child |Hector Charles Cameron

"The padre was right—it must be a fireguard, after all," said the Staff Captain.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 152, February 28, 1917 |Various

fireguard

/ (ˈfaɪəˌɡɑːd) /

Also called: fire screen a metal panel or meshed frame put before an open fire to protect against falling logs, sparks, etc

a less common word for firebreak