The spark arresters don't have handles, is that normal?

This is perfectly normal. Although some find it inconvenient, we believe it's safer this way. If there were handles on the spark screen, many would be tempted to use them to open it and add wood to the fireplace. We therefore recommend using a commercially available poker to open both sides of the spark screen. Simply insert the end of the poker into one of the holes in the spark screen to open it – but do so with caution!