Is it safe to burn oleander wood in an outside firepit?

Answer 1

Not if people or pets or livestock will be anywhere near the fire! It is illegal to burn it in some states. All parts of the oleander bush are highly toxic; burning and inhaling any part means the poison will enter the body through the lungs. Oleander attacks the heart, the liver and the kidneys.

Adults who are poisoned will find themselves on the heart transplant list and will have kidney dialysis for the rest of their lives. Children who sample leaves or flowers, die. Horses and cattle die within 48 hours of ingesting even 2 or 3 leaves; UC Davis Vets say 2-3 horses and cattle die each week from oleander poisoning.

It has been banned in cities in California and Utah.