#3) Rotten Wood
If a piece of wood is rotted, don't burn it in your fireplace. Rotten wood is less dense than solid, unrotten wood. And with a lower density, it won't produce as much heat when burned. Furthermore, rotting typically occurs from exposure to water or moisture.
Can I burn dried rotten wood?
Can You Burn Rotten Firewood? You can - but it's not recommended. Rotten wood is not only less dense than solid wood, meaning it won't produce as much heat, but it can produce creosote and gum up your chimney because rotten wood is typically wet.
Can burning rotten wood make you sick?
Rotted, diseased or moldy wood.
Burning these woods can produce a horrible odor. Plus the bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus in these woods can make you sick.