The state of Tennessee requires all types of firewood entering the state to be certified, heat-treated and clearly labeled (this applies to both bundled and bulk certified heat-treated firewood). Moving firewood can spread invasive and destructive forest pests. The emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, imported fire ant, and thousand canker disease are examples of invasive forest pests that harm Tennessee trees and forests.
Within Tennessee, everyone is encouraged to use local and/or certified heat-treated firewood for camping and home heating purposes.
- Campgrounds in National Parks (such as Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Gap, and Natchez Trace Parkway) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District allow campers to bring only certified heat-treated firewood; other types of outside firewood are not permitted.
- In general, campers can either buy firewood at the campground, bring their own certified heat-treated firewood in the original packaging, or collect downed dead trees from near the campsite (when permitted) at state or national park campgrounds.
- Some National Forests and State Forests in Tennessee allow gathering firewood for home use, although a permit may be required. Inquire with local or regional staff for additional information.
- Find local and certified heat-treated firewood vendors at FirewoodScout.org.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 16 June 2021.
Tennessee Web Resources:
- Search for local and certified heat-treated firewood at FirewoodScout.org.
- Protect Tennessee Forests, Tennessee Forest Health Management Program
- NEW! 2021 Firewood Education Poster for Tennessee
- Tennessee State Parks Firewood Advisory
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Firewood Policy
- US Forest Service Southern Region Firewood Information
- The Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee Chapter, Great Smoky Mountains Information
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Firewood Alert
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Firewood Quarantine
Pest Specific Information for Tennessee:
- Emerald Ash Borer page, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
- Imported Fire Ant Information and Map Archives
- Tennessee State Government Imported Fire Ant Page
- Thousand Cankers Disease Regulations in Plain Language
- Thousand Cankers Disease Information and Map Archives
- Thousand Cankers Disease page, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
- Plant Pest Diagnostic Center, University of Tennessee
- Major Forest Pests of Tennessee
- Slowing the Spread of Gypsy Moth, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Firewood Business Related Information:
- Tennessee Summary of Plant Protection Regulation
- Tennessee Forest Action Plan
- Firewood Certification Page, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
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