Transporting firewood may seem harmless, but the movement of firewood is a common pathway tree-killing insects and diseases hitchhike to new areas. The introduction of an invasive pest to an area can not only be detrimental to the landscape, but costly to manage. Invasive insects and diseases from other states and regions threaten Iowa, such as Asian longhorned beetle, spongy moth, and thousand cankers disease of black walnut.

Use local or certified heat-treated firewood to help prevent the transportation of damaging pests, and abide to any firewood-related regulations (i.e. quarantines) that may come into play if traveling from another state. Firewood users are encouraged to buy local and burn local firewood.

Note: Due to the expansive spread of emerald ash borer (EAB) throughout Iowa, the movement of firewood is no longer regulated within the state (all 99 counties).

Firewood must meet minimum label requirements. This applies to all packaged and bulk firewood offered, exposed, advertised or held for sale. For bulk firewood, the required information must be provided on the delivery ticket. An Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship (IDALS) Administrative Rule also requires firewood labeling to include the harvest location of the wood by county and state. Iowans who see unlabeled or improperly labeled firewood advertised for sale are encouraged to contact IDALS by using the contact information below. Click on the following link for more details on firewood labeling.

Link - Iowa Firewood Labeling Requirements (.pdf)

Certified heat-treated firewood is heated in a certified kiln until the internal temperature of the wood reaches a specific temperature for a minimum period of time. Heat-treated firewood reduces the risk of spreading insects and diseases that may be on or inside wood. Heat-treatment certification is voluntary and is not a requirement to sell firewood in Iowa. Contact IDALS if your firewood operation would like more information on acheiving kiln certification status.