What happens when you start a fire with a moist wood?

Trying to start a fire with damp wood is very difficult. When I backpack I always carry some tinder (dry shavings) to start a fire. Wet wood will not burn unless the fire is hot enough to evaporate the water that is in the wood. You can burn damp wood on an already burning fire but it will not burn as hot.

Wet wood tends to smoke a lot and may go out on a small fire that does not have a good coal base.

I have had to use damp wood to start a fire before but I had to shave down the wood until I found dry wood inside. Once you get a small fire started gradually add wood until you can get a hot fire. Too much wet wood at once can put out a fire. Not a good thing when you are cold and wet. Be patient.