Cremation is the process of reducing a body to ashes through the application of intense heat. The body is placed in a specialized chamber called a cremation retort, where it is exposed to temperatures between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. After the process is complete, the remains are cooled and processed to remove any metal or other materials, and the remaining ashes are placed in a temporary container or an urn of your choosing.