https://zenwriting.net/seedtemple2/5-tools-that-everyone-involved-in-best-woodburners-industry-should-be-using The Dangers of a Wood Burning Fire A wood-burning fire can be a relaxing and cozy experience. It can also release toxic by-products of combustion. It is important to learn about how wood burns and how to properly utilize your fireplace. Choose dried or seasoned . Seasoned logs are less moist and can burn more hot than unseasoned logs. Burning Time The burning of wood to generate heat is a traditional and effective method of heating. However, this kind of fire can release indoor and outdoor emissions that can be dangerous to the health of humans. The use of a properly-designed fireplace can reduce the negative impacts of burning wood. The time it takes to burn a woodfire is dependent on the temperature. The temperature of the fire can affect the amount of smoke produced, as well as how much carbon monoxide is released. If the levels of carbon monoxide are high, they could hinder the escape of occupants from a building that is burning. It is important to keep a low heat level on the fire to avoid this. In the first phase of a wood fire volatile gases such as methane and Methanol are released from the cellulose of the wood. These gases are combustible and non-combustible based on the moisture content and pyrolysis temperatures of the sample. The temperature of the pyrolysis can reach 320 degrees Celsius. At this point, cellulose begins to break down, forming tar and coal. This process is referred to as wood pyrolysis. Burning wood releases toxic combustion products such as dioxins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and PAHs. PAHs are known to cause cancer and other ailments in animals and humans. They can also contaminate water and soil. It is essential to burn wood in an area that is well ventilated to reduce the effects of PAHs. A wood stove that has an extended burn capacity is able to maintain visible flames using a small amount of fuel. This method of burning inv