Abstract: A fireplace ash cleaning shovel having a generally rectangular base chamber with a sloping ash receiving front and a flat lid hinged thereto and having a downwardly depending angled front for hingedly closing the base chamber. An elongated hollow handle, attached to the rear wall of the base chamber and projecting at right angles therefrom, receives an elongated operating rod with bent extremities thereon so that manual rotation of the bent rear end causes the bent forward end to engage with and elevate the lid against spring pressure. When opened, the shovel may be inserted into a fireplace and filled with ashes, after which the lid is lowered to permit removal of the shovel and emptying and disposal of the ashes exteriorly of the fireplace.