How not to burn your pipe.

The most widely accepted solution is to take slow puffs and slow down
further if the pipe gets too hot.

The bowl of a lit pipe is always hot, and to establish exactly what
temperature "too hot" is without appropriate instruments is somewhat
difficult. We resolved the problem in the following way. 

When a pipe is being broken in, clasp it firmly with your hand from time to time and count slowly up to six. if you can do this, then carry on smoking in peace.

If not, then stop until the pipe cools down sufficiently for you
to continue.

This is not a long operation. 

Five to ten seconds usually
suffice, and you wont' even have to relight your pipe. 

And even if the
pipe does go out, there is no harm done.

 Light it again.

Many pipes burns are caused by smokers who, fearing that their pipe
might go out, draw too often and too hard.

How to properly smoke a pipe