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Apparently powdercoat is heat resistant to 550c
Only special high temp types. Ordinary commercial/decorative coating can start to fail at temperatures below 100°C.
For a fire-guard, I'd avoid any kind of polymer coating. A straightforward gun-smithing type of hot or cold bluing will provide a pleasing aesthetic and adequate corrosion resistance, and it won't evolve toxic smoke if it gets burnt.
Apparently powdercoat is heat resistant to 550c (random first google hit) if my fire gets that hot about a metre away then it probably means my house is on fire.
I did consider trying to paint it in stove paint, but given there will be about 30 75cm high bars I figured that would get very annoying very quickly.