Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for controlling the combustibility of volatile hydrocarbons and particulate matter in an exhaust gas stream driven off from a carbon product being baked in a furnace. In a prebaking stage, the carbon product is heat treated in a temperature range of 300.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. in order to drive off the volatile hydrocarbons and particulate matter and form the exhaust gas stream. The exhaust gas stream is heated to a temperature of at least 900.degree. C. and at least one heat transfer medium is force-drafted and mixed into the exhaust gas stream so that the stream contains at least approximately 6% oxygen. The volatile hydrocarbons and particulate matter in the exhaust gas stream are combusted into non-polluting compounds having an opacity less than 40% for exhaustion from the furnace into the outside atmosphere.