Permit-Free Firewood Collection Extended Through 2026 on the Pisgah National Forest

Good news for Western North Carolina residents who rely on firewood to heat their homes: permit-free firewood collection for personal use has been extended through December 2026 on the Pisgah National Forest.

Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, large amounts of downed trees and woody debris remain across much of the region. These higher-than-normal fuel loads increase wildfire risk, especially during dry periods. Allowing the public to gather downed firewood helps reduce that risk while providing a practical benefit to local households during the winter months.

Firewood may be collected along all open roads within re-opened areas of the Pisgah National Forest. Some sections of the forest remain closed due to storm damage, including portions of the Appalachian Ranger District and the Grandfather Ranger District. Firewood collection is not permitted in closed areas, so it’s important to confirm current access before heading out.

For the most up-to-date information on where firewood collection is allowed, contact the appropriate ranger district:

• Appalachian Ranger District (Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey counties): (828) 689-9694
  
• Grandfather Ranger District (Avery, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, and Watauga counties): (828) 652-2144
  
• Pisgah Ranger District (Buncombe, Haywood, and Transylvania counties): (828) 877-3265 

Firewood Collection Rules

Anyone collecting firewood must follow these guidelines:

• Do not collect firewood from closed areas
  
• All motorized vehicles must remain on open, designated roadways
  
• Do not block traffic
  
• Pack out all trash, litter, and wood scraps
  
• No on-site warming fires
  
• No digging, picking, or removal of live plants
  
• No collecting in active logging areas
  
• Firewood is for personal use only and may not be sold or traded 

It’s also important to note that permits are still required for firewood collection on the Nantahala National Forest. Permits for Nantahala can be obtained at the forest’s three local district ranger offices.

This extended permit-free opportunity on the Pisgah National Forest provides a helpful way for residents to safely gather firewood while supporting broader wildfire risk reduction efforts across Western North Carolina.