Why Maine Doesn’t Want Your Out-of-State Firewood

Campfire season is here in Maine, and for a lot of people that means loading up the car with chairs, snacks, and firewood.

But here’s something many people don’t realize. It is illegal to bring firewood into Maine from another state unless it has been properly treated.

Why This Rule Exists

This law is all about protecting Maine’s forests.

According to WGME 13, untreated firewood can carry invasive pests and diseases that you cannot see. That includes insects, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms that can seriously damage trees.

One of the biggest threats is the emerald ash borer. It has already caused widespread damage in other parts of the country and is something Maine is trying to control.

What Heat Treated Means

If firewood is coming from out of state, it must be heat treated.

That means the wood has been heated to a core temperature of at least 160 degrees for a minimum of 75 minutes. This process kills harmful organisms that could be hiding inside the wood.

There is also a permit required for this type of firewood. The permit travels with the wood as proof it was properly treated.

Quarantines Inside Maine

There are also restrictions within Maine based on specific pests.

The state has quarantines in place for certain organisms, including:

• The emerald ash borer, which affects hardwood firewood
• The European larch canker, which affects larch trees like tamarack

These quarantines help limit how certain types of wood can be moved around the state.

The Best Thing You Can Do

Officials say the simplest solution is also the best one.

Buy your firewood locally and burn it where you buy it.

WGME says there is evidence that these rules are helping slow the spread of harmful pests. So even if it feels like a small thing, it makes a big difference.

Before your next campfire, make sure your firewood is local. It helps protect Maine’s forests for years to come.