Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and fixing method

A fixing method comprising:

• receiving a print job;
• determining that a heat shield is at a home position where the heat shield is disposed opposite a heater indirectly;
• pressing an opposed body against a fixing rotary body;
• turning on the heater to heat the fixing rotary body;
• moving the heat shield forward from the home position to a shield position where the heat shield is disposed opposite the heater directly;
• rotating the fixing rotary body to convey a recording medium through a fixing nip formed between the fixing rotary body and the opposed body;
• determining that a trailing edge of the recording medium is discharged from the fixing nip;
• turning off the heater;
• moving the heat shield backward from the shield position to the home position;
• determining that the heat shield is at the home position;
• halting the fixing rotary body;
• and
• releasing pressure between the opposed body and the fixing rotary body.