What is a fireplace bellow?

A fireplace bellow is a tool that is used to fan the flames of a fire, such as in a fireplace, wood stove, or forge. It consists of a collapsible, usually triangular-shaped, bag made of leather, fabric, or even wood, with a nozzle or spout at one end and a handle at the other. When the bag is squeezed, air is forced out of the nozzle, creating a stream of air that can help revive or intensify a fire. The action is similar to blowing air on the fire with your mouth, but the bellow provides more forceful and controlled airflow, which can be especially useful for starting or tending to a fire in challenging conditions, like strong wind or limited oxygen supply.