October is Firewood Month and in recognition, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents that moving firewood can spread invasive insects and diseases that threaten the state’s forests.
Joanne Foreman, invasive species communications specialist with the DNR, said Michigan faces threats from pests such as emerald ash borer, hemlock and balsam woolly adelgids, spongy moths, and the recently detected spotted lanternfly. Fungal diseases like oak wilt also pose a risk, and both insects and pathogens can remain alive in cut firewood.
“Wherever you plan to burn your wood – in your backyard or at a cabin – make sure you buy it locally,” Foreman said. “Do not transport firewood long distances. If you must move wood, use only certified, heat-treated firewood with the USDA label.”
Foreman said residents should also discourage friends and family from transporting firewood and burn any suspect wood on-site rather than moving it elsewhere. “Sharing the word is critical,” she said. “We need to protect Michigan’s landscapes, which rely on healthy forests.”
The DNR recommends purchasing firewood from local retailers within about 50 miles of where it will be burned, and notes that many national parks and campgrounds now only allow heat-treated, certified firewood.
Tips to keep the fire burning
- Aged or seasoned wood is not safe to move. Just because it is dry doesn’t mean it’s clean. A recent study showed insects continued to emerge from firewood even three years after it had been cut.
- Buy firewood near where you will burn it – a good rule of thumb is only using wood that was cut within 50 miles of where you’ll have your fire.
- Certified, heat-treated firewood is safe to move long distances. Look for a federal stamp or seal on the package, and keep the firewood in the original packaging if entering a campground that requires heat-treated wood.
- If you buy firewood and don’t burn it all, don’t bring it home or to your next destination.
- Tell your friends not to bring wood with them – everyone needs to know they should not move firewood.
DNR officials say you can still have a roaring campfire or a cozy night in front of the fireplace if you just know how to burn safely.
