Oxidative pyrolysis is a key step in the autothermal operation of many fixed-bed reactors for staged gasification and advanced carbonisation. In these reactors, biomass is converted into charcoal, condensates and permanent gases inside a moving Oxidation Zone (OZ) which also produces energy to self-sustain the process. Oxidative pyrolysis of three different biomass types: pine wood, miscanthus and wheat straw pellets, was performed in a batch 20 cm diameter fixed bed reactor. Results showed that the OZ consumed 11% to 14% of the stoichiometric air to self-sustain the process and reached a peak temperature around 720 degrees C whatever the biomass. The propagation velocity and thickness of the OZ were inversely proportional to the ash content and to the bulk density of the biomass. Ash was also shown to influence the yield and composition of the resulting products due to a catalytic effect on primary and secondary pyrolysis reactions.