Fireplace firewood retainer assembly with air deflector, fireplace incorporating the same and method of reducing particulate emissions in a wood burning fireplace

A wood burning fireplace comprising:

• a combustion chamber comprising an opening for receiving air for combustion;
• a grate in the combustion chamber;
• at least one piece of firewood supported by the grate a level above a floor of the combustion chamber;
• and
• a deflector between the grate and said opening for deflecting air entering said opening below said level.

A method of burning firewood in a wood burning fireplace having the firewood supported on a grate in a combustion chamber having a floor and an opening, the method comprising:

• burning said firewood creating a combustion;
• providing air through the opening;
• guiding using a guiding surface at least part of the air entering through the opening to an area above the floor and below the grate;
• heating said guided air by embers on said floor;
• and
• using said heated air in said combustion.