Firewood

Do Not Move Oak Firewood Out of Local Areas

Goldspotted oak borer (GSOB) larvae remain in cut oak logs and firewood from GSOB-killed trees or green infested trees and are a continual threat of further infestation. Wood from GSOB infested trees should not be removed from local infested areas.  We emphasize that transporting infested firewood is likely the most significant pathway for introducing GSOB into non-infested areas.

Oak Firewood Availability

To prevent the spread of GSOB and limit the pest’s damage, it is important to manage oak firewood properly.

For information on the availability of personal use only firewood permits for specified areas of national forest land, contact the Cleveland National Forest's Descanso Ranger District at (619) 445-6235.

Management Practices

NEW RESOURCE! Best management practices for GSOB-infested firewood: download PDF here.

Homeowners - See Management Options

Area Parks and Campgrounds:

• Never remove or transport oak firewood in or out of parks and campgrounds
• Use only local sources of firewood
• Burn your supply of firewood before leaving a recreation area.

Note: Adhering to above guidelines can help slow the spread of GSOB and the resulting death of California oak trees.

More Information

• Best Management Practices for Preventing the Spread of GSOB through the Movement of Logs and Firewood (PDF / old version)
• Oak Firewood Advisory Flyer (PDF) / Advertencia Sobre La Leña De Roble/Encino (PDF Español)
• Vendors & Sellers Firewood Advisory Flyer (PDF) / Advertencia A Vendedores De Leña De Roble O Encino (PDF Español)
• 2010 Firewood Dealer Letter (PDF)
• Save Trees - Keep Firewood Local, News Release (PDF) - Oak Mortality Taskforce News Release
• Voluntary Firewood Quarantine Request (PDF), courtesy of Resource Conservation District of Great San Diego County
• Fire Safe Council of San Diego County (external link)

Visit the California Firewood Task Force website to learn more about efforts within the State to protect our native and urban forests from invasive pests that can be moved on firewood. See posters from California Firewood Task Force campaign below:

Burn It Where You Buy It

• With GSOB information, black background (PDF)
• Black background (PDF)
• White background (PDF)

Compre La Leña Donde Se Va A Usar (Burn It Where You Buy It Español)

• Fondo negro (PDF)
• Con información sobre GSOB, fondo negro (PDF)