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Don't move firewood

A graphic of a nighttime camp scene with two people around a campfire, two tents, and dark woods in the background.

Don't move firewood

An infographic showing two campers at night by a campfire, with two tents in the background. Caption reads, "The bugs were coming from INSIDE the untreated firewood."

Did you know that the forests you love are in danger? All because of invasive insects and diseases that hitch a ride on firewood. Spooky, right?

The facts: Invasive insects and diseases have killed millions of trees in Michigan – often after hitching a ride on firewood. Moving firewood, even a short distance, is a common way for these invasive species to infest new locations. Examples of invasive tree killers include oak wilt, emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, among many others.

Tried and true solutions

To prevent the spread of any invasive species that might be lurking in your logs.
Michigan certified invasive free firewood icon.

1. Buy certified, heat-treated firewood.

Certified wood comes with a government stamp or seal that proves it’s safe to move long distances. Since it’s been treated, you don’t have to worry about invasive species hitching a ride. 

2. Collect or purchase firewood at your destination.

Firewood should never be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut – unless it’s been heat-treated!

Firewood laws and quarantines

  • You can no longer bring firewood into some national parks, forests and lakeshores in Michigan. Know the rules before you visit.
  • At times, quarantines may regulate the movement of firewood within or into the state of Michigan. Know the current firewood laws.
  • If you are camping or using a short-term rental, check with the host before bringing or purchasing firewood.
  • To protect against the introduction or spread of invasive forest pests, choose firewood that is certified as heat treated or purchase firewood within 10 miles of where you will be using it. Find firewood in Michigan at FirewoodScout.org.

Firewood checklist

An infographic showing a bundle of firewood with a certification sticker. Text reads: Avoid the horror. Buy certified firewood. DontMoveFirewood.org.
  • Leave firewood at home.
  • Buy firewood at your destination. At most campgrounds, it is available on the premises or from nearby vendors who sell certified firewood. 
  • Purchasing certified firewood is the best choice. It has been heat-treated to state or USDA standards and will bear a USDA or state-based certification stamp with the producer’s name and address.
  • If certified firewood is not available, purchase your firewood as close as possible to where you will burn it.
  • If you buy firewood and don’t burn it all, don’t take it home with you or to your next destination.