Transporting firewood isn’t as simple as throwing some logs in your truck and hitting the road. Each state has its own regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases. Understanding firewood transport rules can save you fines, hassle, and help protect the environment. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Are Firewood Transport Rules Important?
Transporting firewood from one location to another can spread invasive pests like emerald ash borers, gypsy moths, and Asian longhorned beetles. These pests can hide in or on firewood, traveling unnoticed to new areas where they can devastate local forests and ecosystems.
Many states and regions have strict regulations to control the movement of firewood to reduce these risks. By following these rules, you help protect native trees, reduce the spread of disease, and preserve the environment for future generations.
General Firewood Transport Rules
1. Buy Firewood Locally
One of the most important rules is to buy firewood near where you plan to burn it. Many regulations recommend sourcing firewood within 50 miles of its intended use location. Some states have stricter limits, such as 10 miles, especially in areas with known infestations.
2. Certified Firewood Only
If you’re transporting firewood across state or county lines, it often needs to be certified as kiln-dried or heat-treated. This certification ensures that the wood has been heated to a temperature that kills pests and diseases. Look for labels that say “Certified Pest-Free” or “USDA Approved.”
3. Firewood Quarantines
Certain areas may have firewood quarantines in place to prevent the spread of specific pests. For example:
- Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine: Many states restrict the movement of ash firewood to contain infestations.
- Gypsy Moth Quarantine: Firewood from quarantined areas must meet strict guidelines before being moved.
State-by-State Firewood Transport Rules
Each state or region has its own firewood transport rules, so it’s essential to check local regulations before moving firewood. Here’s a breakdown of firewood transport rules for each state.
Alabama
- Requires kiln-dried or certified pest-free firewood for transportation.
- Strict quarantine for firewood from areas with emerald ash borers.
Alaska
- No major restrictions, but transporting firewood from the lower 48 states requires certification.
Arizona
- Prohibits untreated firewood from areas with known pest infestations.
Arkansas
- Restrictions on firewood from quarantined areas, including those with emerald ash borers.
California
- Prohibits the import of untreated firewood from other states. Certified kiln-dried wood is required.
Colorado
- Firewood must be sourced locally. No untreated wood from outside the state.
Connecticut
- Prohibits untreated firewood from out of state unless it is USDA certified.
Delaware
- Requires firewood to be heat-treated if transported across state lines.
Florida
- Local firewood is required. Firewood from out of state must be certified pest-free.
Georgia
- Restricts firewood movement from areas with pest infestations.
Hawaii
- Prohibits the import of untreated firewood entirely.
Idaho
- Requires firewood to be pest-free. Certified wood is recommended for transportation.
Illinois
- Untreated firewood is restricted from entering the state. Look for certified kiln-dried wood.
Indiana
- Firewood must be certified pest-free if transported from out of state.
Iowa
- Prohibits firewood from emerald ash borer quarantine areas unless certified.
Kansas
- Requires firewood to be pest-free. No untreated wood from quarantined zones.
Kentucky
- Certified firewood is required for transportation from out of state.
Louisiana
- Firewood from pest-infested areas must be certified pest-free.
Maine
- Requires heat-treated firewood from out of state. Local firewood is preferred.
Maryland
- Prohibits untreated firewood from entering the state. Certified wood is mandatory.
Massachusetts
- Allows only certified firewood from out of state.
Michigan
- Strict quarantine zones for firewood. Certified pest-free wood is required.
Minnesota
- Prohibits untreated firewood from other states. Certified firewood is allowed.
Mississippi
- No untreated firewood is allowed from areas with pest infestations.
Missouri
- Requires pest-free certification for transported firewood.
Montana
- Recommends local firewood. Imported firewood must be certified.
Nebraska
- Prohibits untreated firewood from pest quarantine zones.
New Hampshire
- Prohibits out-of-state untreated firewood. Certified wood is required.
New Jersey
- Firewood from out of state must be kiln-dried or USDA certified.
Nevada
- Firewood must be certified pest-free if transported from out of state.
New Mexico
- Local firewood is recommended. Out-of-state firewood must be certified.
New York
- Firewood must be sourced within 50 miles of use or certified pest-free.
North Carolina
- Prohibits untreated firewood from areas with pest infestations.
North Dakota
- Requires certification for firewood transported into the state.
Ohio
- Strict restrictions on firewood from quarantined zones.
Oklahoma
- Local firewood is required. Imported firewood must be certified.
Oregon
- Firewood from out of state must be heat-treated or kiln-dried.
Pennsylvania
- Restricts untreated firewood from entering the state. Certified wood is required.
Rhode Island
- Prohibits untreated firewood from out of state.
South Carolina
- Firewood from pest-infested areas must be certified pest-free.
South Dakota
- Certified firewood is required for transportation from out of state.
Tennessee
- No untreated firewood from quarantine zones is allowed.
Texas
- Firewood must be certified pest-free for transport across state lines.
Utah
- Recommends local firewood. Imported firewood must be certified.
Vermont
- Prohibits untreated firewood from out of state. Certified wood is mandatory.
Virginia
- Requires certification for firewood transported from pest quarantine zones.
Washington
- Imported firewood must be kiln-dried or heat-treated.
West Virginia
- Local firewood is required unless certified pest-free.
Wisconsin
- Firewood from out of state must be certified pest-free.
Wyoming
- Recommends local firewood. Certified wood is required for out-of-state transport.
Always check local government or forestry websites for the most up-to-date information.
Transporting Firewood Safely
If you need to transport firewood, here’s how to do it responsibly:
- Check Regulations First: Look up local and state rules for firewood movement.
- Use Certified Firewood: Buy kiln-dried or heat-treated firewood with proper certification.
- Inspect Your Load: Remove any visible pests, dirt, or debris before transporting.
- Avoid Long-Distance Travel: Stick to local firewood to minimize the risk of spreading pests.
Alternatives to Moving Firewood
Instead of transporting firewood from home, consider these alternatives:
- Buy Locally: Purchase firewood near your destination to avoid transport issues.
- Use Packaged Firewood: Many camping and outdoor stores sell certified firewood.
- Burn What’s Available: If allowed, collect fallen branches or logs near your campsite.
360 Key Takeaways
- Buy locally: Firewood sourced within 50 miles is often the safest and easiest choice.
- Check certifications: Kiln-dried or heat-treated firewood is accepted in most states.
- Follow quarantine rules: Avoid moving untreated wood from pest-infested areas.
- Stay informed: Regulations can vary, so check local guidelines before transporting firewood.
Firewood transport rules aren’t just about avoiding fines—they’re about protecting forests, wildlife, and the environment.