A wood firing involves a community of potters. The kiln is fueled by wood and stoked by potters over an eighteen to twenty-four hour period. Temperature is monitored constantly to maintain the necessary level for glaze work to occur. Though some pieces are partially glazed before firing, many of the pieces receive their glaze from the ash in the atmosphere of the kiln and the movement of the flames. Firings can be unpredictable due to weather or other variables. Because of the intense heat and flying ash inside the kiln, pots can tip or shelves can break, causing numerous casualties. This is one reason pottery from wood firings may be more expensive. But for the many pieces that crack or break, the few that survive can be absolutely stunning. Look for the glassy drippings, the flashes of orange or the smoky carbon trappings.