Hazards of moving firewood

On this page

• Don't move firewood – buy local, burn local
• Pests to watch out for
• Considerations for camping
• Regulated areas
• Movement restrictions
• Importing firewood
• Printable resources

Don't move firewood – buy local, burn local

Although we might not see them, invasive insects that threaten our forests can easily hide in firewood. When firewood moves, so do these pests, potentially threatening our beautiful forests.

The movement of firewood poses a substantial risk to Canada's economy and environment.

Transporting firewood may seem harmless but can lead to the spread of pests such as insects, plants and diseases. An infestation of invasive species can limit your ability to enjoy the environment around you and negatively affect the property value of your home.

Firewood and its bark can be infested with insect eggs or larvae. If you move firewood, for example from your home to your cottage or campsite, you could unintentionally spread a pest like emerald ash borer to a previously pest-free area. Help protect our forests by following these firewood guidelines:

• Buy and burn your firewood locally. Transporting wood long distances can lead to a free ride for invasive species of all sorts across Canada.
• Know where the wood is coming from. If you buy wood from a local supplier, don't be afraid to ask where it came from. Buy wood that was cut less than 80 kilometres away from where it is being sold.
• Don't "judge a book by its cover". Just because you can't see signs of pest infestation doesn't mean the pests aren't there. It can be extremely difficult to notice insects, insect eggs and fungal spores on wood.
• Spread the word, not the bug. Tell your family, friends and colleagues. If you are having people over for a fire in your backyard or at your campsite or going on a camping trip, make sure those who are joining you are aware of this threat.

Be aware of movement restrictions

Moving firewood from places where regulated pests have been found can be a violation of the Plant Protection Act, with penalties of up to $50,000 and/or prosecution. Be aware of movement restrictions that may be in place before you move wood or wood products.

For more information about these restrictions, contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office.

Pests to watch out for

You can do your part by staying informed of how pests spread, reporting suspected sightings, spreading the word and keeping firewood local.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is dedicated to preventing the spread of plant pests. The CFIA has import requirements in place, regulates the movement of plant species in Canada, monitors invasive species that are not yet established in Canada, and determines if invasive species are established.

Learn more about invasive species and how to identify them.

Considerations for camping

Going to a national park? Help protect it

National parks are among Canada's, and the world's, natural gems. They are a source of pride for Canadians and an integral part of our identity, which is why it is so important to keep these ecosystems healthy and whole.

To protect the park, only use local firewood and contact Parks Canada for any additional restrictions when you are planning your trip.

Regulated areas

The CFIA establishes regulated areas to restrict the movement of potentially infested wood items from one area to another. To protect our forest resources, moving firewood outside of a regulated area is prohibited. It is important to be familiar with the pests present in your area or the area you are planning to visit to know what to look for. Visit the pest links listed below (by province) to learn more about their regulated areas.

Movement restrictions

Moving freshly logged trees can also spread pests. Logging and other industries work closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to use safe movement practices and certification programs.

Moving firewood from places where regulated pests have been found is a violation of the Plant Protection Act, with penalties of up to $50,000 and/or prosecution. Be aware of movement restrictions that may be in place before you move wood or wood products.

For more information about these restrictions, contact your local CFIA office.

When moving wood is allowed

• Moving firewood within a regulated area.
• Moving firewood within non-regulated areas, provided you do not pass through a regulated area.
• Moving firewood outside of regulated areas with a movement certificate obtained from the CFIA for heat treated firewood, or, under compliance agreement.

Importing firewood

You cannot import firewood from any country, strict requirements must be met.

Firewood that does not meet Canada's import requirements will be refused entry, returned to its place of origin or disposed of at the importer's expense. You could also face penalties or prosecution if you do not declare restricted or prohibited items such as firewood. When returning to Canada, declare all foods, animals, plants and related products at customs.

Printable resources

Brochures

• Don't move firewood brochure (PDF – 298 kb)

Posters

• Asian longhorned beetle

  Asian longhorned beetle

  

• Emerald ash borer poster

  Emerald ash borer poster

  

• Spongy moth poster

  Spongy moth poster

  

• Spotted lanternfly poster

  Spotted lanternfly poster