I was just given a new metal firebowl for my back yard. Is it OK to burn old treated fence wood?

Question

(Yes, it is OK to have a covered outdoor fire in my city, between 7am and 11pm, and with the garden hose close by and operational!)

Answer 1

No.  Creosole is harmful smoke.  Do not burn treated wood.

Answer 2

your ok to burn it-if there is black smoke then odds there is creosote-no matter it all burns

Answer 3

actually it is against the law to burn treated wood...

Answer 4

It depends on what it was treated with.  Railroad ties were treated with creosote, you don't want to breath that, or have its residue on your steak.  They they started treating with CCA.  It turned the wood green, its a copper compound and you do not want to breath or eat meals cooked over that.  They now have less harmful compounds, but I have no idea what yours might be but most say do not burn.  We build our fences out of cedar, it doesn't need treatment and is okay to burn.

Answer 5

Just like it is unsafe to burn painted wood, the treated wood may give off fumes harmful to you.

Wait till you get a satisfactory answer from someone in the know.

Answer 6

You need to be aware the chemical used in treated wood can cause headaches or minor breathing problems. But as long as you are in open air and minimal exposure to the smoke you should be fine.