Cut your firewood for free in May thanks to the coronavirus pandemic

Umatilla National Forest officials will let people cut firewood for personal use for free in May, a change in policy prompted by the new coronavirus pandemic.

In normal years people are required to buy a permit with a minimum cost of $20. The season typically opens May 1.

Firewood cutters headed to the Blue Mountains still will need to pick up an authorization, which is valid for up to four cords of firewood. A cord is the amount of tightly piled wood in a stack 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long.

Authorization is restricted to one per person, participants must be at least 18 years old and they are required to give contact information.

Authorizations are available electronically by sending an email to r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@fs.fed.us.

Or they can be picked up at Umatilla National Forest Service offices at self-service tables near the front entrances during business hours.

They also are available at some stores, but not in the Tri-Cities.

Stores include Ace Hardware at 1845 N. First, Hermiston; Southgate Mini Market, 775 Southgate, Pendleton; D&B Supply, 850 Southgate, Pendleton; and J&D’s Food Mart, 111 S.S. Birch, Pilot Rock, Ore.

Firewood is crucial as the primary heat source for some families, said the U.S. Forest Service. It believes the authorization system allows them to cut firewood and also complies with regulations in Washington and Oregon by limiting face-to-face interactions.

After June 1, Forest Service officials will evaluate how to best continue to allow people to cut firewood, as it evaluates state orders then and the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 10:23 AM.