- by Vic Steblin, Source: WoodBurnerSmoke.net

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"194","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","style":"width: 333px; height: 250px; margin: 7px 10px; float: left;"}}]]Humans have been burning for much of history. Africa burns its savanna annually and the smoke can be seen from space. Australia and Mediterranean areas regularly burn off hazardous undergrowth. Logging companies burn off residue according to professional forestry codes. Ranchers and farmers burn old grass and crops to release nutrients.

Even lightning by nature burns whole forests. Humans, following nature’s example, seem to love burning.  Spring bonfires are used to clear up old branches and yard waste. The burner barrel handled household garbage until too much smoke was produced by too many people. Wood burners still display their historical right to burn anywhere and anytime they please.

Times and conditions change, however, and humans everywhere must reconsider historical traditions for a cleaner modern society. We must leave some old things behind, educate ourselves with modern technology and use resources better. We should stop burning things up.