Drying of wood chips of the average size 15x5x2 mm and the initial moisture content 50% w.b. was experimentally studied. The drying medium was hot air at the inlet temperature of 500°C, that is well above the ignition temperature of dry wood (approx. 300°C). The experiments were carried out in an electrically heated stove equipped with a device to mix and move wood chips samples. No significant change in the surface colour of wood chips was observed. Drawing conclusions from the experimental result, industrial - scale drying of wood chips in a rotary dryers or similar ones at 500°C inlet temperature of drying air can be envisaged.