Once combustion takes place, the remaining material burns at temperatures above 1,100°F. As it burns, it leaves ash behind as a by-product.
Starting a Fire
Since wet wood contributes to creosote buildup, it’s important to use dry, seasoned wood for your fires. You’ll sometimes read that hard wood is better than soft, but moisture content is really more important. That said, hardwoods such as oak, ash, hickory, and juniper burn cleaner than softwoods like cedar, pine, and fir do. Here’s how to build a good fire: The woodstove fire in this photo is a perfect example of what not to do. Note the closely stacked large logs, loaded tightly in a dirty stove. You can bet the chimney on this stove is full of creosote. For more on the anatomy of a fireplace and chimney, see Preventing Chimney Fires.
