The Kurth Kiln was constructed by the Forests Commission of Victoria in 1941-42 to produce charcoal for use as a substitute fuel source. Petrol shortages during World War Two created a demand for charcoal suitable for gas producer units fitted to cars and trucks. It was the only commercially sized charcoal kiln in Victoria which could operate continuously. The kiln was in full production by mid-1942, but transport difficulties, structural problems and oversupply of charcoal by private operators meant the kiln was used only intermittently during 1943, and was shut down soon after. The kiln’s design facilitated continuous loading of timber at the top and recovery of charcoal at the bottom. An intricate water-cooling system separated the production and discharge chambers, and cooled the charcoal before removal.
The Kurth Kiln is of historical and scientifically significant as the only kiln of its type erected in Victoria. The process of charcoal production utilised by the kiln was a technical success, and the kiln has survived almost intact.