PGAQ #66 by Vic Steblin, Dec 21, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

In my opinion, burning wood is more of a hobby than a habit or necessity. One has to be reasonably well-off to afford the equipment and time. The homeless may gather around a fire but cannot afford permanent housing and even rental units rarely have wood heat because of safety and practical reasons.

Wood burning is a hobby and promoters defend it with a passion. A big, tough truck, preferably diesel, with four-wheel drive and a winch gets you into the forest. Good saws, splitters, axes, files, oil, fuel, sheds, trolleys, approved burners, extra air intake, heat shields, and the best quality gloves are needed tools. Beer and cigarettes occasionally become additional pleasures.

Strong bodies and fit lungs in hardworking adults are needed to maintain this hobby for any length of time. And time, lots of it, is a must during the off season in order to collect and haul the wood.

The memories, traditions and pleasures of burning wood should not be underestimated. Some of our first childhood experiences come from watching flames. Fire burns in the blood of thousands of generations dating back to prehistoric eras. Nothing is better than the warmth of a wood fire except maybe health.

Maybe burning wood can become an addictive habit for some and thus becomes a necessity. But all in all I would say that burning wood is a hobby. It is pleasurable, takes time and gives something in return, warmth. In summary, most people burn wood because they want to, not because they have to.