Aside from lava, a volcano’s explosive power can release a devastating avalanche of searing ash

Whether you choose a timeless wood burner, an effortless gas model or a minimalist electric or biofuel design, banish the winter chill with a cosy stove that brings both warmth and atmosphere

How intense heat and steam are generated in these hot therapy rooms

Dani Morey recalls moments when fires got out of hand

Bob explains how to make careful use of ashes to give your garden a brilliant boost

We’ve been using matches for 200 years–but, as Rob Crossan discovers, the story of how they came to be is far more colourful (and hair-raising) than we might imagine