How hot is the bed of coals?
The temperature of the coals largely depends on the type of wood used. Hardwoods such as Beech or Hickory burn the hottest. Medium heat is produced by softer hardwoods such as Oak or Maple. Lowest heat is produced by soft woods such as Poplar or Pine. Measurements made in several Oak and Maple log fires indicated that the maximum temperature of the fire (in the crevice between the logs) was 900°F to 1200°F. In the Firewalk I use mostly Oak or Maple for its steady burn, even flame and steady glowing bed of coals. Sometimes I may use Pine which is considered a medium to low heat wood and the temperature would be between 800°F to 1000°F. Having said this, the focus of the Firewalk is not about heroically mastering the hot coals. The focus is about getting in touch with our inner self and consciously choosing what is right for us in the moment.
