AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry urges Mainers and visitors to prioritize using local or heat-treated firewood.

It’s a legal requirement, as there are stringent restrictions on the movement of certain firewood. Untreated firewood from out-of-state is banned (maine.gov/firewood), and transporting hardwood firewood from within specific quarantine areas is strictly prohibited (maine.gov/eab), according to a news release from Maine Forest Service Ranger Kent Nelson.

When moving firewood, people often overlook the potential risks, assuming it is harmless or the cost of wood is too high at their destination. But they unknowingly carry destructive insects and diseases that can have far more significant consequences. Once introduced, these pests and diseases have the potential to devastate Maine’s ornamental trees and forest habitats and impact fish, wildlife and property values, resulting in substantial management costs.

Whether for campfires or warmth during cool evenings, it is vital to obtain firewood from a local source (ideally within 10 miles) or opt for heat-treated wood. Firewood from distant locations has been responsible for introducing the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, oak wilt, southern pine beetle, brown spruce long-horned beetle, and numerous other forest destroying pests to new areas. Find treated or local firewood sources at firewoodscout.org.

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