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- Well-dried hardwoods like oak, maple and hickory burn efficiently, produce high heat and minimize creosote buildup. Avoid burning green or wet wood, which smokes excessively and causes chimney fires.
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- Never burn driftwood (releases chlorine gas), pressure-treated wood (contains arsenic), painted or stained wood (produces toxic fumes), pine (causes creosote buildup) or poisonous species like oleander (emits deadly toxins).
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- Plywood, MDF, OSB and fire starters like cardboard or Styrofoam release carcinogenic chemicals when burned.
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- Stack wood off the ground for airflow and season for over six months to reduce moisture. Stockpile 4–6 cords per household for emergencies.
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- Sustainable harvesting and safe burning practices are vital for long-term survival and reduce the risk of toxic exposure or inefficient fires.
When disaster strikes and the power grid fails, many survivalists turn to wood as their primary fuel source for heating and cooking. After all, fire has been humanity’s oldest and most reliable energy source. But not all wood burns equally — some types can poison the air, damage your stove and even put your life at risk.
Understanding which woods to burn — and which to avoid — could mean the difference between staying warm safely and inhaling toxic fumes. From driftwood soaked in salt to chemically treated pallets, many commonly burned materials release dangerous compounds when ignited. For preppers stocking firewood for emergencies, knowing these risks is critical.