Why can firewalkers safely walk barefoot on red-hot wooden coals but not barefoot on red-hot pieces of iron?

Answer 1

The two secrets two being a successfull fire walker is the length of time feet are in contact with the coals (usually less than a second with ordinary walking) And the ash generated by wood coals that coats and insulates the ember from the skin. Red hot iron has no ashso the full intensity of the heat contacts the skin.

Answer 2

Metal is an excellent conductor of heat Wood is a poor conductor of heat.

If you accidentally bump your arm against the metal rack in a hot oven or a hot iron, you will sustain a burns injury Thats why pots, pans and the majority of utensils have wooden handles for safety

Walking at a brisk pace across a bed of wood embers reduces the contact time reducing the risk of burns