Don't Move Firewood
By Phran Novelli
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Don't move that firewood! If you're going over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house, or your uncle's cabin, or just out camping, have a great time and a safe trip home. But, don't bring back any firewood!
People moving firewood from place to place is how tree-killing insects and diseases spread like wildfire. Like the Emerald Ash Borer, which has decimated millions of trees across the US. And it's why there's now a quarantine in several Southeastern PA counties to try to control Thousand Cankers disease in walnut trees.
It's almost impossible to tell by looking whether wood is harboring diseases, insects, or their eggs, so the rule is don't move wood since you can never be sure.
Only use firewood you get or gather very close by – within about 10 miles or less.
With the quarrantine, you can't even move wood across certain county lines and it's illegal to move firewood across many state lines.
Burn wood where you get it, and leave any extra behind. That 'free' firewood you want to carry home could not only cost you a fine, but also cost you and your neighbors big bucks in tree damage for decades to come.
So, enjoy a cozy fire right where you are, then leave the rest of the wood pile for the next camper or guest.
