The soothing, calming experience of relaxing by a small fire is one that is enjoyed by
If you have found yourself wondering whether or not wet wood will burn, or simply how to best select wood when it has all been soak? You have come to the right place! Here, we will be discussing heavily the concerns many have around the topic of trying to burn wet wood. As
Because well, frankly, not all wet wood is considered the same. Some is simply wet on the outer layer and dry on the inners. while other wood likely will be soaked both inside and out. Here I want to give you some tips and tactics for selecting the driest wood you can when all of it has been slammed with water, as well as provide you with some considerations
Note, we will not be discussing specifically the process for burning green, unseasoned wood. Though the process of burning wet wood, and green wood will have some similarities. If you’d like to learn how to burn freshly cut, green wood without taking it through the seasoning process I suggest you take a look at my recent article on the subject. It is title (HOW TO BURN GREEN, UNSEASONED WOOD!). Though, wood whether it is freshly cut and green, or simply has been moistened
But we don’t always have access to wood that is at such royalty. In many cases we have to make do with what we have. That is why I believe having the
Anyway, lets get onto the ignition points of this article!
First Things First: Will Wet Wood Burn?
Many wonder If wet wood can actually burn. But given that water is essentially the enemy of fire it can be difficult. In many cases you can get wet wood to burn, but only after it has sat on, or near the fire for a period of time. This will allow the heat of the fire to dry out the wood to the point it is able to comburst. In order to get wet wood to burn it is more about speeding up the drying process rather than encouraging wet wood to ignite.
Simply put if you want to burn wet wood it is easiest to do after the fire has been started and is now to a point it can self sustain for a while (10 – 15 min at least). However, if you’d like to know how to start a fire using wet wood then be sure to check out my latest post on the topic. Its titled: (HOW TO START A FIRE USING WET WOOD).
But assuming you have enough dry tinder to start a fire and get it to a point it is self sustaining then burning wet wood can be somewhat simple to a degree. However, if the wood is to wet it can be difficult to get it to dry out before the fire begins to go down. This is where knowing how to select fire wood in a wet, or moist environment can be key to maintaining a fire in such environment.
We will get to selecting wet firewood later, but before doing so we need to discuss the factors that impact the burnability of wet firewood. The factors are as follows:
Factors That Impact Wet Wood Burnability
- How wet the wood is
- How deep the moisture has seeped into the wood
- How long the wood was exposed to water
- Whether the wood was submerged in water, or sprinkled
- The thickness of the wood (The thicker, the more difficult to dry out)
- The wood type, and condition
Obviously, how wet the wood is will greatly determine how easily, & quickly the wood will be able to dry. Typically the depth to which the moisture has seeped into the wood, as well as the length of time that wood was exposed to water will greatly determine how wet the wood is.
For example, If the wood or stick you have selected has been floating on a pond, or down a river (Or in most cases, was sitting near the bank of a pond or river). Odds are that piece of wood is completely soaked inside, and out. Wood like this will be very difficult to dry out to the point it will combust.
Where as, wood that simply got rained on for a few moments will likely be close enough to the dry end of the spectrum that it will burn as well as a dry piece of wood. That is, assuming the wood was dry prior to the rain storm.
Thickness of the wood, as well as exposure time to water will have a large impact as to whether or not that selected piece of wood is soaked all the way through or not. But back to thickness of the wood. The thicker the wood, and the more moisture seepage the wood has had will cause for a greater difficulty when trying to dry out the wood.
For example, Say you have 2 pieces of the same wood, cut at the same length (1 foot). The first is a thickness of 1 inch in diameter. The 2nd is a thickness of 8 inches in diameter. Both have been thoroughly soaked, though the larger of the 2 took longer to soak all the way through. The smaller will likely burn much better, simple due to the fact that it will dry out at a much quicker rate then that of the larger piece of wood. Simply because the larger of the 2 has absorbed essentially 8 times the amount of water. As well, the larger wood will require a much greater amount of time to dry out on the fire, then that of the smaller wood.
Think of it like this: The thicker the wood the more water it will hold, and the longer it will take to dry out that moisture.
Lastly, the type of wood, as well as the condition of the wood can make a large impact on how well that wood will dry out, and burn.
For example, Wood that is old and dried out that has been gnawed on by termites is likely to absorb, moisture almost like a sponge would. Where as, wood that was cut 1 year ago, and stacked into a pile to season is likely going to be much more dense.
Meaning the dense wood likely will require a longer exposure time to water then that of the opposite in order to absorb the same amount of water. Now, this is assuming the wood is of equal size, and proportion, but you get the idea. Wood type, and condition can have a large impact as to how much water the wood absorbs during the exposure period.
Estimating How Wet The Wood Is & If It Will Burn?
Soaked wood will feel mushy, and soft. While dry wood will feel rigid and hard, sometimes (depending on the wood type) it may sound hollow if you knock on it. Another way, sometimes, depending on if the wood has been lifeless for an extended period of time
Some wood soaks up water like a sponge while other wood is “Water resistant” (so to say) to a degree. knowing how to see the differences between the two is key for having a life filled campfire.
How To Test Wetness Of Wood
Depending on the wood type you select to use for your campfire, it will show different signs that are likely to specify how wet to wood is. The following are signs to look for when testing to see if wood is dry enough to burn. But keep in mind the below tests work based on a spectrum typically from rigid and hard to soft and flexible. The closer to one end of the spectrum or the other will determine how well the wood will, or will not burn.
- Break The Wood In Half
- Twist The Wood
- Squeeze The Wood
- Hit The Wood On A Large Rock
- Knock On The Wood
- Weight Of The Wood
Now, I know you won’t be able to test each piece of wood you select for you fire using all the above listed tests. Simply because some of the wood you select will be large logs, whereas others will be smaller sticks, and tinder like. You obviously won’t likely be able to twist a large log, but you can break it by dropping a few large logs on it, or smoking it with an axe.
Let’s go into greater detail of each test below:
Break The Wood: (Feel & Sound) When breaking the wood you are specifically listening to the sound of the wood and the feel as it breaks. The sound you’re looking for: The lowder the snap, the drier the wood, the quieter the snap the wetter the wood. The feel you’re looking for: A dry piece of wood will have a lot of rigidity as you begin to break it, then it will instantly give and be split in two. Whereas, a wet piece of wood will feel more like trying to break a small, live (green) tree. It will be excessively flexible, and very difficult to separate into two pieces.
Twist The Wood: (Feel & Sound) Specifically more a test for smaller sticks, and tinder. By trying to twist it you will be able to see how wet it is. If it twists at all, then you know there is some moisture inside the wood. If it twists excessively then there is likely a lot of moisture in the wood. If you are able to hear strands of the stick cracking as you twist it, it is likely on the dryer side. If it twists and flops like a noodle its likely quite wet.
Squeeze The Wood: (Feel) By simply squeezing the wood you will be able to see if moisture is present inside the wood. Wood that has been submerged for a period of time will likely feel spongy, and soft.
Hit The Wood On A Rock: (Sound & Feel) By hitting a larger log on a rock, or the opposite, you will be able to here, and see just how wet the wood is. First of all, when you hit it you will feel a hard bounce back of the wood, or rock if the wood is dry. Whereas if it is wet, you will feel almost an absorption between the to objects. as well, the rock will likely make a large indent in the wood. Sound wise, your just listening for a loud hollow / dry sound. Wet wood will be much quieter when hit, and sound more like a quiet thud rather then a loud bang.
Knock On The Wood: (Sound) Like hitting the wood with a rock. By knocking on the wood you will both feel the rigidity of the wood, but more specifically hear a difference in sound when comparing wet wood to dry wood. Wet wood will be quiet. Whereas dry wood will be loud, and deflect your hand quicker.
Weight Of The Wood: (Feel) Wet wood is excessively heavy, where as dry wood will be lighter, and easier to maneuver.
Pitfalls of burning wet wood
Though burning wet wood can be done. It isn’t really ideal if you can avoid it. Simply due to the following facts:
- Smaller Flame = Less Heat
- The Fire Typically Smolders Rather Then Burns
- Slower Burn = Less Heat (But longer fire life)
- Excessive Amount Of Smoke
Okay, now that you know wet wood can be burned to a point. It is important that we go over some of the health issues related to burning wet wood.
Burning Wet Wood Is Considered Bad (Here’s Why)
Now by no means is the process of burning wet wood toxic or anything alike when compared to burning dry wood. The only issue is that wet wood tends to produce more smoke when compared to dry smoke. This can be an issue if you are in a tight area such as, indoors, or inside a tent… To which typically the process of burning wood is done inside of a wood burning stove if it is done in doors.
For this reason it isn’t a good idea to burn wet wood inside of a wood burning stove. This is simply because wet wood produces a greater amount of smoke, and there is a much higher risk of smoke filling the interior of the house, tent, RV…ect then that of dry wood. Due to the fact that dry wood produces less smoke then wet wood.
However, if your having a Campfire, or Bonfire outside burning wet wood doesn’t really become an issue unless you are purposefully trying to inhale the smoke. Which is never something you should do…
The excess amount of smoke produced by wet wood is the biggest issue (Health wise) when it comes to burning wet wood. Other then that it is mainly the difficulty wet wood possesses when trying to burn it.
Conclusion
Lets simply recap, In most cases you can get wet wood to burn. However, it can be somewhat difficult in order to do so, especially if you are trying to start the fire with wet wood, sticks, and tinder. Now, its important to note, the way to get wet wood to burn is basically by quickly drying it out while it sits on the fire. If you have ever attempted to burn wet wood you likely noticed it takes some time before it actually begins to burn.
This is because wet wood needs to dry out enough before it is able to ignite. By simply placing wet wood over, or next to an already going fire it will quickly dry out and begin to burn. Nonetheless, depending on how wet the wood is prior to setting it on the fire it may take more or less time before it begins to fuel the fire.
This is where wood selection becomes a big deal. If you choose wood that has been bathing in a puddle odds are it will take an extended amount of time before the heat of the fire dries it out enough to where it fuels the fire. Simply select wood that is far from any water sources, and has been the least exposed to rain water, or snow. On that same note, Smaller logs and sticks that are wet tend to burn much better then large logs that are wet. This is simply due to the amount of water each is able to absorb.
I hope you were able to find some value here, If you have any further questions regarding fueling fire with wet wood I strongly recommend you check out my “Next Recommended Resources” Listed below. Otherwise if you have any further questions regarding camping be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez General Camp Center.
This Is Colt Signing Off!
Next Recommended Resource:
Since in most cases where you are limited to only wet wood to burn. I strongly recommend you take a look at my latest post titled: (HOW TO START A FIRE WITH WET WOOD). You will thank me later for this information if you are ever in an environment where essentially all the wood has been soaked. To which typically happens after a rainstorm.