I'm with you here John.  I use cheapo gloves for around the fire (and change out of my Arc'Teryx and into something I don't care if it gets full of burn holes!)

I don't usually cook over a fire unless its hot dogs and then I'm usually bare handed. For lifting my pot I use my paddle gloves (or Dickes work gloves if hiking, rubbery palm and fingers with synthetic back) and perhaps also use my small kitchen towel. 

A few nights ago when it was -15 C  I was playing with a campfire and wearing my new MEC Cascade gloves. When the burning logs would roll out of the fire I'd pick them up and put them back on, no problems. The next day I expected these nylon gloves would have showed signs of wear but they came through looking pretty good. These are my new favorite winter gloves. 

For the fire I’ve found that a pair of welding gloves are awesome. You can grab and move wood in the fire, spread coals nicely to make a bed of coals easily etc. Cheap and fire proof.

Thanks Shayne, but I respectfully beg to differ.  The moisture in the gloves will turn to steam when exposed to extreme heat and create a thin layer that, eventually, will be breached but extends the time of contact (much like if you lick your finger then very briefly touch a piping hot pan - the moisture evaporates so that your skin doesn't burn as readily). 

Now, I'm likely splitting hairs here as each medium (dry leather or wet leather) provides ample insulation for any short-term contact (just as you said), but I've found the wet to be very effective.  I'll make a point to field test a dry and a wet next time and see which one provides better insulation longer...and hope I am right!  

I do have some welding gloves but they are bulky and heavy in comparison - not something worth taking into the interior.  The leather gloves I often wear when paddling to protect my hands and to keep warm on cool days.

I'm no welder, that's for sure!  Field testing will be conducted when the ice thaws!