Fireplaces all have tool sets in front of them for moving different size pieces of wood around and a shovel to scoop ash out. The pellet stove guys recommend that you buy your love one a Shop Vac for Christmas, so that they can clean the ash out of there stove in just seconds. It doesn't have to be a great big one like I use (pictured) they make small ones.

Happy Hollidays
The Pellet Stove Guys.com