Keep Warm During Winter In Texas With the Right Firewood

I'm comingTexas Firewood Restrictions This Winter Here's What You Need to Know

As winter comes to Texas and icy conditions bring the Big Country to a halt, staying warm becomes a top priority. If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself scrambling for firewood at the last minute instead of planning ahead. My Boy Scout days taught me the value of being prepared, but let’s just say old habits die hard, especially when it comes to gathering firewood in advance.

This year, though, firewood isn’t just about convenience, it is about compliance. Texas has introduced new restrictions on firewood transportation to combat invasive pests, so it’s crucial to know where you can legally get your firewood. Like the Texas A&M Forest Health and the TexasDon'tMoveFirewood.org always say, "Buy it where you burn it."  so I get my firewood from my friends Johnny DeLaGarza and Coach Wise who have access to firewood right here in Taylor County where I live. Johnny and Coach already knew the rules about, "Burn It Where You Buy It."

Why Firewood Restrictions Are in Place

In recent years, invasive species have wreaked havoc on Texas’ natural resources, prompting tighter regulations on firewood movement. For instance, six Texas counties, Bowie, Cass, Denton, Harrison, Marion, and Tarrant, are under quarantine due to the emerald ash borer, a destructive beetle known to devastate ash trees. Moving firewood from these quarantined areas to other parts of the state is illegal.

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Similarly, the Texas Department of Agriculture has restricted firewood movement in 192 counties to prevent the spread of the invasive red imported fire ant. Additionally, the Mexican soapberry borer, another invasive pest, has been detected in over 50 counties, further complicating firewood transportation.

Tips for Sourcing Firewood Legally in the Big Country

To ensure you’re staying compliant while keeping warm, follow these recommendations from the Texas Department of Agriculture:

• Buy firewood locally in the county where you plan to burn it.
• Avoid transporting firewood across county lines, campgrounds, or parks.

The motto "Buy It Where You Burn It" from Don’t Move Firewood sums it up perfectly. By purchasing firewood locally, you’re not only adhering to state regulations but also helping protect Texas’ forests from further damage.

Where to Find Firewood in Abilene and Surrounding Areas

Thankfully, the Big Country offers plenty of options for sourcing firewood. Many local suppliers harvest wood from within Taylor County and nearby areas, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations. Better yet, several businesses offer delivery and stacking services, making it easier than ever to stay warm without breaking the rules.

If you’re still hunting for a reliable supplier, check out local listings or community boards. Many businesses are well-versed in the latest restrictions and can guide you on legal firewood use.

Protecting Texas One Log at a Time

While these restrictions may seem like a hassle, they’re a small price to pay to protect Texas’ natural resources. Whether it’s the emerald ash borer, red imported fire ant, or Mexican soapberry borer, invasive pests can have devastating effects on our forests. By following the guidelines and sourcing firewood responsibly, we can all do our part to preserve the Lone Star State’s beauty for future generations.

So, as you cozy up by the fire this winter, take comfort in knowing you’ve done it the right way, no invasive pests included. And next year? Maybe we’ll all remember to stock up on firewood a little earlier. Sources: Don’t Move Firewood, Texas Invasive Species.