My kiln smells when I begin a firing, is this OK?

Organic matter present in clay and the binders in glaze begin burning out at quite low temperatures and can produce strong smelling fumes. This will die away as the kiln reaches 600°C. With most firings the level of toxicity in fumes is very low, but it is best not to work in the same room as your kiln and good ventilation of the room in which your kiln is situated is important.