The description relates to controlling slagging and/or fouling in biomass burning furnaces. Combustion of such a biomass the fuel with air produces combustion gases containing sodium and/or potassium compositions, and the combustion gases are treated by contacting the combustion gases with kaolin and aluminum hydroxide. At least one of the kaolin and aluminum hydroxide can be introduced with the fuel, in a combustion chamber, with reburn fuel or with overfire air. For fuels also high in zinc and/or heavy metals, magnesium hydroxide is introduced into the combustion chamber or following heat exchangers.