A method of combusting a fuel in a burn pot includes forming an ash column within the burn pot, and removing a portion of the ash column. The burn pot includes a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion, and a translatable plate interposed between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion. The translatable plate is capable of at least two positions. The translatable plate has an opening therein corresponding substantially to a cross sectional area of an inside area of the first sidewall portion or the second sidewall portion.