Moving uncertified firewood into Washington (WA) from many states is against federal law to prevent the spread of spongy moth (see the federal quarantine map). Other harmful pests like emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly, and imported fire ants also threaten to cause irreversible damage if introduced in Washington – these pests often spread to new areas on firewood. As a result, the Washington Invasive Species Council strongly encourages the public to use firewood from local sources with their campaign, “Buy it where you burn it”; they make the following recommendations:
- Call ahead to your camping destination [or look online] to find a local wood dealer
- Never travel with firewood–always buy it near where you will burn it
- Burn all your firewood before leaving your campsite
ALERT: The invasive emerald ash borer has been found in the neighboring state of Oregon. As a result, firewood should not be brought into WA from Oregon or any other state with known infestations of this highly destructive pest!
Bringing firewood from Canada into the USA is prohibited unless the firewood is labeled and certified heat-treated. Read about these requirements on the USDA and CBP firewood information sheet.
Bringing firewood from the USA into Canada is prohibited unless the firewood is labeled and certified heat-treated. Canada also encourages visitors to use local firewood.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 13 August 2024.
Washington Web Resources:
- Buy it where you burn it, Washington Invasive Species Council
- Recommendations for Emerald Ash Borer Response in Washington Communities
- Urban Forest Pest Readiness Playbook
- Pest Information for Washington State, USDA APHIS
- Mount Rainier National Park Firewood Policy, NPS
- Thousand Cankers Disease information and map archives
- Spongy Moth Quarantine Map
- Report an Invasive Insect Sighting
Submit additional information or corrections for Washington at the Submit a Link ribbon below!