Firewood
All woodcutters must obtain a firewood permit to cut and haul firewood from National Forest System land.
With a firewood free use permit, you can harvest firewood free use from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in areas open for harvesting. You can obtain free personal use firewood permit online or in-person at Forest Service offices located in Sedro Woolley, Darrington, Verlot, Skykomish, North Bend and Enumclaw, Washington.
If you plan to pick your permit up at a forest office, please call before you leave to check office hours and to make sure permits are available.
The Basics
A pile of cut firewood.
All free firewood permits obtained in a calendar year must not exceed 6 cords total, whether obtained online or in person. The firewood collection window length may differ between e-permits and those issued in-person at district offices.
Valid government identification is required to obtain a permit.
A permit allows you to collect firewood; it does not guarantee availability.
Permits are not subject to extension of time or transferable.
*Firewood harvested for resale purposes requires a Commercial Firewood Permit (limited availability). Contact your local district office for more information.
What to Know
A small or short-bed pick-up truck will hold about 1/2 cord of wood. A long-bed pick-up truck will hold about one cord of wood. A standard truck will hold about one and 1/2 cords of wood.
Gather firewood within 50 feet of the edge of Forest Service roads. Carry your permit and driver’s license when cutting, removing or transporting wood.
The person holding the permit must be present during cutting, removal and hauling.
Only cut and remove dead and downed trees within the clearing width of the roadway or within an area designated by permit. Heavy equipment cannot be used. Yarding or pulling wood from the forest is not allowed.
Do not block Forest Service roads when you gather firewood.
Scatter tops, limbs and other slash so that it is within 18 inches of the ground and doesn’t block access routes or ditch lines.
Fire Precautions
Follow fire restrictions when gathering, cutting and hauling firewood; be aware of fire precaution levels.
Chainsaws must be equipped with a spark arrester device.
Regardless of issue date, permits are void during periods with an IFPL of 3 or higher and all cutting activity is prohibited.
Do Not Cut or Remove:
- Trees marked with orange paint, signs or flagging
- Standing trees, whether they are dead or alive
- In areas posted “No Firewood Cutting” or “Timber Sales Area”
- Any species of cedar
- Lengths longer than six feet
When Transporting Your Firewood:
- Attach load ticket in a visible location on the back of the load with the current date punched out.
- Fill out the Product Quantity Removal Record on the front of the permit with each load removed.
Do Your Part
- If you pack it in, pack it out. Please remove all trash!
- Do your part and respect the Forest by leaving it clean and free of trash. For more information on how you can help, read the following information about practicing Leave No Trace principles.
- Follow all permit conditions
- Follow rules and regulations for use of National Forest Systems lands
Be Prepared & Be Safe
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels
The Forest Service uses four industrial fire precaution levels (IFPLs) to reduce the likelihood of wildfires by regulating work activities in the Forest, including firewood cutting. It's critical to know the current IFPL before heading out to a firewood cutting area.
- Level 1: A Fire Watch is required to stay in the area for one hour after power equipment has been shut off to watch for fire starts.
- Level 2: Shut down all power equipment by 1 p.m. A Fire Watch is required to stay in the area for one hour after power equipment has been shut off to watch for fire starts.
- Levels 3 & 4: All woodcutting activity is prohibited.
Fire Prevention
- Stay current on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest fire information.
- Firewood cutters must have screen spark arrestors on their chainsaws and carry a chemical fire extinguisher & shovel.
Before heading into the Forest:
- Contact your nearest ranger station for up-to-date information on wood supply
- Check alerts and closures
Forest roads may have trees or debris on them. Drive with caution and be prepared.
- Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as:
- steel-toed boots
- chainsaw chaps
- hearing protection
- eye protection
- Consider wearing a hardhat, especially in burned areas, to protect yourself from snags.
- If possible, bring a friend. The buddy system is always recommended when using a chainsaw.
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