Trying to clean the face of the fireplace... red brick? Help?

I wouldn't start out with a wire brush as it may leave an undesirable finish on the brick. I would start with a very sturdy plastic bristle brush and some water with a little dish soap to see if it removes the dirt or soot or watever. But if that doesn't work move on to masonry stripper, only if there is paint or heavy residue from grease or something. otherwise bricks will get pretty clean just from scrubbing with soapy water