October is National Firewood Month, and a good time to make sure you’re harvesting safely, legally, and responsibly.

As the weather cools, many Alaskans turn to wood heat for warmth. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) manages designated personal-use woodcutting areas across the state, where residents can harvest up to 10 cords of firewood per year for home heating.

Before heading out, make sure you have the right permit and understand the rules that help protect our forests, roads, and waterways.

🔹 Getting Your Permit

Anyone cutting firewood on State land must have a Personal Use Firewood Permit.

• Permits are available online at dnr.alaska.gov/FPS or at any DOF office.
• Each permit costs $10 per cord, is valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase, and allows harvest for personal use only. Material gathered under a personal-use permit may not be sold, bartered, or traded.
• This permit does not authorize cutting on private, borough, federal, or trust lands, or within state recreation areas and commercial timber sales.
• Online permits allow cutting only within the designated woodcutting areas shown on the permit map.

🔹 Permit Conditions

When cutting, please remember:

• Operate only within the mapped area and follow all posted signs.
• Stay at least 100 feet from any waterbody.
• Cut stumps no higher than 12 inches.
• Move debris at least 5 feet off the roadbed and don’t block roads or access routes.
• Remove any trees over 5 inches in diameter that you cut.
• Heavy equipment is NOT allowed (skidders, log trucks, backhoes, or excavators).
• Be courteous to others, drive carefully, and always observe safety signage.
• Do not leave partially cut or “hung-up” trees in standing timber.

Permits may be canceled at any time by the Department of Natural Resources, and violators may be subject to fines or prosecution for trespass or theft under Alaska Statutes AS 11.46 and AS 09.45.

🔹 Cutting Safely and Responsibly

Woodcutting can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous. Always wear proper personal protective equipment, helmet, gloves, eye and ear protection, sturdy boots, and chainsaw chaps, and never work alone.

Avoid cutting during high fire danger or when forest roads are muddy and prone to rutting. Travel at your own risk; many forest access roads are not plowed in winter and may require self-recovery equipment.

Road and access information can be found using the Alaska DNR Forestry Resources Viewer.

🔹 Drying and Burning Your Wood

Wood burns best when it’s properly seasoned.
• Standing dead or dry trees can often be used this season.
• Green wood should be split and stacked in a covered, ventilated area for 6–12 months before burning.

Properly dried wood burns hotter, cleaner, and helps protect air quality during the winter.

For guidance on heat output by species, view the BTU Firewood Comparison Chart on the DOF website. https://bit.ly/48IP047

🔹 Local Information

DOF manages multiple personal-use cutting areas statewide. Availability, conditions, and access vary by region.

Contact your local Forestry office for maps, designated areas, or help finding accessible woodcutting sites:

Fairbanks / Delta Area: (907) 451-2705
Mat-Su Area: (907) 761-6301
Kenai-Kodiak Area: (907) 260-4210
Tok & Copper River Areas: (907) 883-1400
Southeast Area: (907) 225-3070

For more information, maps, and permit links, visit forestry.alaska.gov/wood/firewood.

Categories: AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)

Tags: Firewood, National Firewood Month, Take Time To Learn Before You Burn