Peat

When does peat form?

Peat bogs are formed in mild and humid climates when the land drainage is so bad that pools of water submerge masses of partially decomposed vegetable matter and prevent complete decay.

After being dug out of the bog, the peat is left to try in the open air. When the water has evaporated  it will burn readily. Vast quantities of peat exist in many parts of Europe, North America and northern Asia, but it is normally used as a fuel only in countries or regions where there is a little coal. Large quantities are used for fires and ovens in Ireland, Scandinavia and the Soviet Union.