Houtvuur

Houtvuur (Dutch for "wood fire") is a fire fueled by wood, used for heating, cooking, or ambiance. It includes open fires in a hearth, fireplaces, and modern wood-burning stoves, and can be found in both traditional homes and contemporary settings.

The science of houtvuur centers on combustion: heat raises the wood to ignition, oxygen sustains the flame, and the wood's chemical energy is released as heat. Wood with low moisture burns more efficiently; dried or seasoned wood (typically under 20% moisture) provides more heat and less smoke than green wood. Hardwoods such as oak or beech yield longer, hotter burns, while softwoods ignite quickly but can produce more creosote in chimneys when burned slowly indoors.

Proper setup improves efficiency and safety: use dry, well-seasoned wood, split and stacked for good airflow; light with kindling and avoid accelerants; ensure a properly designed chimney or vent and use a fire grate or stove with appropriate air controls.

Safety and health considerations include keeping flammables away, using a screen or doors for an open fire, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and scheduling regular chimney sweeps to remove creosote. Never burn treated wood, painted wood, or household trash; dispose of ashes in a metal container after they have cooled.

Environmental and regulatory context: wood is a renewable energy source when harvested sustainably, but burning releases particulate matter and other pollutants. Emissions depend on the appliance and burn conditions; many regions have air-quality regulations and may restrict wood-burning on high-pollution days or require certified stoves.