What is the purpose of an oil burning locomotive?

Oil burning locomotives, especially those that are well maintained, do less damage to the surrounding environment by lowering the amount of sparks emitted from the chimney, thus causing less veld fires. It is key to ensure that the clay floor of the firebox is check often and replaced every few years. Oil burning locomotives are able to be used comfortable all year round, whilst with coal locomotives, special care needs to be taken to prevent fires.