Bitter Cold And Propane Shortages Leave Firewood Hard To Come By

Those using fireplaces or outdoor boilers to heat their homes are dealing with a shortage of dried firewood. Even raw, fresh cut wood has been hard to come by.

The U.S. Census estimates that more than 100,000 people in Wisconsin use firewood to heat their homes. This season, finding dry or seasoned firewood has become nearly impossible in places.

Dan Krug owns Ironhorse Firewood in Cameron, which sold out in November. He says the cold temps and a propane shortage created a huge demand for firewood. Also, he says, he and other firewood processors have had trouble getting logs.

“Your smaller logging operations could not get out to the woods because of the snowfall we’ve had,” he said, “so there’s been a shortage of even green wood available.”

“Green wood” is the term for split firewood that hasn’t been dried. It doesn’t burn as well and can clog chimneys with creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Larry Hanke owns Larry’s Firewood in Cable. He says with so many people sold out of firewood, people are burning whatever they can get their hands on.

“The competitors in my area seem to be sold out and the wood that I do have is not a full season of cure,” he said. “So, people are still somewhat happy to get stuff that’s been at least three quarters of a year dried.”

Even though this winter is nearly over, Hanke says it will affect his and other firewood businesses. He says people are going to make sure they’re not caught short again.