Abstract: An electric arc furnace having at least one electrode and a burner and first and second supply systems for respectively supplying an oxygen containing gas and fuel to the burner. An exhaust gas conduit is connected to the furnace and includes a first damper for controlling the flow rate of exhaust gases and a second damper for controlling the flow of dilution air into the exhaust conduit. First and second position sensors are coupled to the first and second dampers, respectively, for sensing the positions thereof, a temperature sensor is coupled to the exhaust conduit for sensing the temperature therein and a pressure sensor is coupled to the furnace for sensing the furnace pressure. A first control is coupled to the first supply system and to the temperature sensor and to the first position sensor for initiating and controlling the flow of oxygen containing gas in relation to the temperature in the conduit and the position of the first damper.