This time and labor saving innovation is a modified coal shovel featuring precision-machined sorting holes that isolate objects greater than 3/8” (1 cm) diameter, while allowing water run off. Sifting through ashes is important because an investigator may find evidence, such as furniture hardware, even when areas have been completely burned. In addition, the absence of some remains may lead to motive. For these reasons, it is necessary to sift through debris to collect representative samples of solid materials such as wood, ashes, wiring, melted metal or glass.