Abstract: An ash-free ventilating apparatus for use in a fireplace is disclosed comprising a grate element adapted to detachably secure to the opposing end walls of a fireplace and extend therebetween, a ventilator housing centrally located within the fireplace and below the grate element and having an inlet port for connection to a source of fresh air and outlet ports in fluid communication with the inlet port, and a valve operationally connected to the outlet ports to regulate the flow of fresh air through the outlet ports. The ventilator housing has two elongated side walls with each side wall sloping downwardly and outwardly toward the immediately adjacent fireplace end wall to guide the fallen ash matter to an ash pit. An additional deflecting wall is disposed adjacent each end wall of the fireplace and opposite to the elongated side walls of the ventilator housing to also deflect fallen ash matter to the ash pit.