Some of the Kniphofias have this way of snapping off their tufts just above the root mass... The best time to divide them is spring and make sure each part has a good bunch of roots.

For general moving, provided you aren't expecting a droughty winter, autumn can be good to let the roots establish with plenty of moisture. Perhaps mid-October to mid-November, if your soil is still warm and workable then.

Or late winter. Enough time to establish before the drier seasons come in.

(Quick thought: when did you plant originally?)

I planted them in fall of last year. Plant was in a one gallon bucket. The base of each plant is at least 18" across by now. We have very claylike soil but they are on a slope so there is good drainage.
Do we just dig a circle around the base and down into the soil below the roots and then divide them in half like we do with the day lilies?

I am not sure if this is normal or just the weird weather we have had. They bloomed later than the neighborhood pokers and are now going through a second bloom. I thought they only bloomed once. Guess they are happy in our yard.

Just dug up many shoots off my red hot poker plant today.
put them in plastic grocery bags and in the garage right now. (four plants per bag)
Plan on bringing some in to work tomorrow for friends.
Will they be ok like this? and for how long?
Last year I divided some Hostas and they sat in a bucket for weeks before planted and lived - these plants are pretty much bare rooted though, but in bags to protect from air.
Should I wet them or leave alone and again - how long before MUST plant - rainy week ahead - worried wont be able to right away.