How does air get into my VC Dauntless firebox?

[ThisWas]

How does air get into my VC Dauntless firebox in normal operation?

Whenever I add wood to my Dauntless, I first use a shovel to move all the hot coals to the rear wall of the firebox per the owner's manual, so that the coals are up against the six round vents visible beneath the access cover (see image).

Does fresh air flow INTO the firebox through those six holes, or are they exhaust vents to let the heated air flow OUT of the firebox and eventually up the chimney?

I assumed they're exhaust ports, because they're just before the chamber where my catalyst would go if I had one. However when I asked Forge & Flame customer service, they told me that's where the air comes in. True or false?

The reason I ask is I want to make sure I keep ash away from wherever fresh air is supposed to enter the firebox. I wish I could find a good airflow diagram for my Dauntless!

 

[begreen]

The primary air is supplied mostly via the air wash over the glass. The holes are exhauting hot wood gases into the refractory engine behind the holes. There may also be secondary air added before the cat.

 

[ThisWas]

The primary air is supplied mostly via the air wash over the glass. The holes are exhauting hot wood gases into the refractory engine behind the holes. There may also be secondary air added before the cat.

Yes, that makes sense, and I found a generic Flexburn diagram that supports your description. Next time the stove is cold I'll look more closely below the doors.

 

[ThisWas]

Now that I know where to look, with the doors open I see air vents on either side. Through the right-hand vent I can see a cable that connects the air control lever to a damper somewhere. (Cable not visible in the photo.)