Questions & Answers: Firewood

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Q1. Why can't I move firewood?

Something as simple as moving a single piece of firewood could destroy millions of trees. When firewood infested with an invasive species is moved to new areas, even within the same province, these pests can be introduced and seriously harm Canada's environment, forests and plant resources.

Q2. What is an invasive species?

Invasive species can be plants, animals, aquatic life or micro-organisms that spread when introduced outside of their natural environment, and cause serious and often irreversible damage to ecosystems, economy and society. Invasive species can become predators, competitors, parasites, hybridizers and/or diseases of our native plants, animals and aquatic life.

Q3. Why are invasive species a concern to me?

All it takes is one little pest to cause serious and often irreversible damage to our environment. Invasive species are a serious threat to biodiversity in Canada. They have far-reaching effects on the Canadian economy, environment and society. The economic impact is mostly felt in large industry sectors such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry. It can cause a loss of income for industry and farmers.

Invasive species can also damage private property and reduce land value. And they have the potential to cause trees to disappear from our cities, roadsides and parks. This affects air and water quality and natural habitat. It also deprives citizens of shade and a beautiful urban environment.

Q4. Where do invasive species come from?

Invasive species can come from across the country or across the globe.

Q5. How do invasive species arrive in Canada?

Invasive species are introduced and spread both accidentally and deliberately through “pathways”. Pathways describe all the different ways that an invasive species can travel, including:

• goods such as firewood, plant products or wood packaging;
• transportation vehicles such as aircraft and recreational boats;
• ballast water from large ships; and
• diseases in wildlife.

Q6. What kind of invasive species can be moved in firewood?

Many organisms, both natural and invasive, can be moved in firewood. They include invasive species including insects such as the emerald ash borer, brown spruce longhorn beetle, Asian long-horned beetle and pine shoot beetle; fungi and fungus-like organisms such as sudden oak death and oak wilt disease; and bacteria such as bacterial poplar canker.

Q7. How much do invasive species affect our economy?

Invasive species are a major concern in Canada's forest sector. They can affect, among others, the hardwood products industry, the maple syrup industry and the multi-billion dollar softwood lumber industry. In Canada, the damages from just 16 specific invasive species are believed to be between $13.3 billion and $34.5 billion annually.

Q8. How do invasive species affect trade?

When an invasive species is found in a region, trade may be restricted or prohibited to prevent these pests from spreading to other areas. There may also be additional costs to control the pest or to treat products to make them safe to move. Depending on the pest and the area affected, invasive species can result in trade restrictions imposed by foreign countries, and can potentially interrupt billions of dollars in trade. Maintaining pest-free commodities is essential for maintaining export markets.

As a party to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Canada must apply internationally-recognized standards and treatments to safely move goods without spreading pests to other areas or countries. If a pest is detected in our country, Canada must notify trading partners and apply quarantine measures to isolate and control the infestation.

Q9. What can I do to help stop the spread of invasive species?

The most important thing you can do is to leave natural items in their natural habitats and not move firewood.

• Buy firewood locally, burn it on site, and never bring it back home.
• Find out if you are living in or travelling to an area regulated for an invasive species.
• Learn where your firewood comes from.
• Be aware of the risks and the laws in Canada associated with using firewood.

Q10. What do I do if I suspect my firewood is infested with a known invasive species?

If you are not in one of the areas regulated for an invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer or the Asian long-horned beetle, and suspect your firewood is infested, contact the CFIA. If you are in a regulated area, please contact the CFIA for directions on disposal.

Q11. How far can I move firewood?

It is always a good idea to buy and burn firewood in the area where it came from. If you are travelling to a place where you will be using firewood, buy it once you arrive instead of bringing it with you.

Certain factors can limit the distance you are allowed to move firewood:

• where you live
• where you are going
• what invasive species are known to live in either of those areas

If you live in an area regulated for an invasive species, firewood can only be moved within the boundaries of the geographical area that is regulated.

Q12. Can I bring firewood from another country into Canada?

You cannot import firewood from any country except some parts of the United States. Importing firewood from many areas of the United States is restricted or prohibited and must meet strict requirements.

Firewood that does not meet Canada's import requirements will be refused entry, returned to its place of origin or disposed of at the importer's expense. You could also face penalties or prosecution if you do not declare restricted or prohibited items such as firewood. When returning to Canada, declare all foods, animals, plants and related products at customs. These items could introduce harmful diseases, pests, viruses and micro-organisms to Canada.

Q13. What are the consequences of moving firewood?

You could face penalties of up to $50 000 and/or prosecution if you move firewood out of a regulated area in Canada without prior approval from the CFIA. You could also put new areas of forest at risk of devastation.

For more information on firewood, regulated areas, import policies and fines please visit the CFIA's website at www.inspection.gc.ca or contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.