The raku firing process illustrated here is not the process used in Japan by the raku kiln. It is, in general, the process introduced by Paul Soldner to closely obtain the glaze results he found in Japan but was unable to duplicate using the materials available in the United States. The biggest difference between the two processes is the use of the reduction chamber with its combustibles.

Please note: these photos were taken on the only day which I wasn't wearing a long sleeve shirt. I strongly recommend that when raku firing a person should wear leather shoes, long pants, a long sleeved shirt and heat resistant welder's gloves. Synthetic materials (such as nylon) should not be worn because they can melt or ignite and cause worse burns than would be the case if you were wearing cotton or wool. If the weather is not too hot wool is best because it is self extinguishing.

People with long hair should have it tied back and/or wear a hat for protection.

Here I am lighting the burner. This burner is an inexpensive torch sold to burn off weeds or melt snow and ice from steps or walkways. A Burner designed for raku firing is a better choice, albeit more expensive, because the weed burners tend to throw a flame which is too long and concentrated.
     
I am always careful to have the wind at my back. The burner is lit with a welder's spark type igniter.

Once the temperature has been turned up to its final stage, I check the color and surface condition by looking through a viewing port cut into the side of the hood to determine when firing is complete.
     
Never try to look into the kiln through the top exhaust port.

When I determine that the firing is done I turn off the gas flow and allow the pieces to cool just enough to avoid their cracking due to the shock of being exposed to the relatively cold outside air. This cooling is just one more judgment call based on existing conditions (temperature, wind and humidity). Then I remove the hood.
     
I always try to lift it straight up far enough to clear the tallest piece before moving to the side and set it down.