Found log burning internally, how is that possible?

Question

I was on a flat beach with 10-20mph winds, and I found a stump and pieces of driftwood that looked like it was internally burning. There was no flame, only sparks, and the rings inside were glowing fire-red, meanwhile the outside bark wasnt and it was unburnt.

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

A Swedish torch or simply a bonfire with sand kicked over it! The internal temperature of a bonfire can reach up to ~2000 degrees Fahrenheit. While wood starts to burn around 400-600 degrees… kicking sand onto a fire will “smother” the flames but the heart of that fire… them embers… they take a while to cool off. That’s why there’s no bonfire signs on beaches. People will come, drink, party, be merry…. Then kick sand into their fire and go home only to leave unknowing surfers severely burnt the next morning!