Woodchip Steam – Caused by Fungi and Bacteria

Q: My coworkers and I were wondering why a huge pile of wood chips makes steam afterwards.

A: The condensed water vapor (steam) is caused by the heat of billions of fungi and bacteria digesting fresh wood and sap. Digestion is just a slow form of oxidation or burning. If you and a billion coworkers were eating lunch in the same room, you’d heat up too!