California Resources

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California prohibits bringing firewood into the state if it originated in an area infested with a harmful tree pest such as emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, Asian longhorned beetle, and/or spongy moth. For example, moving firewood into California from most midwestern and eastern states is against the law in order to prevent the introduction of emerald ash borer. Bringing firewood into California can introduce these and other invasive pests which cause immense damage to natural and agricultural resources. All firewood brought into the state is subject to inspection and will be confiscated if deemed a risk by authorities.

Many midwestern and eastern states also prohibit the entry of firewood from California since this can spread forest pests like thousand cankers disease of walnut.

Because California has existing regional infestations of regulated pests like the red imported fire ant, sudden oak death, and light brown apple moth, it is against the law to move firewood out of, or within, most western counties of the state. Many parts of southern California have additional forest pests that can be accidentally moved on firewood, including goldspotted oak borer and invasive shot hole borers.

California’s National Parks, State Parks, and some County Parks prohibit cutting or collecting firewood within parks and instead encourage visitors to buy local or heat-treated firewood. “Local” firewood refers to firewood sourced within 50 miles of where it is burned, but within 10 miles is ideal. 

Due to the risks and regulations involved with moving firewood, the State Department of Agriculture and the US Forest Service Region 5 ask that you buy it where you burn it.

This summary is provided by our friends at Don't Move Firewood. To learn more about firewood, please visit their site at dontmovefirewood.org.