FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino National Forest will open its headquarters building and ranger stations to the public on Monday (May 2), which is the same day it will also begin selling firewood permits for the 2022 season.

Purchases can be made over the phone or in-person using check or credit card at the Forest Supervisor’s Office and Flagstaff Ranger Station between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Rock Ranger Station on weekdays (except Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m.)

The Mogollon Rim Ranger Station is currently not able to process permit sales at this time.

In addition to a method of payment, purchasers should be prepared to provide their name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, credit card information, the type of wood and number of cords desired.

The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.

There will be many visitors and phone calls during the first couple of weeks, so please be patient and realize there is limited staffing fielding a large volume of requests. In-person purchases will be given priority over phone calls, but we will do everything we can to accommodate both as much as possible.

For those ordering over the phone, permits and associated load tags will be mailed to purchasers, along with a receipt and a firewood guide that includes cutting instructions and a map. Purchasers are required to sign and date the permit in the permittee line as soon as it is received.

Purchasing by mailed check:

If purchasing by check, send a written request by mail to any of the offices previously mentioned, to the attention of “Timber Permits.” The written request should include your name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, the type of wood and number of cords desired. Your written request must be signed and dated, as well as include your check payment for the exact amount of cords being purchased — as long as the minimum of $20 is met.

Forest roads and other precautions

Unless specified elsewhere in the permit or on its accompanying map, or identified as prohibited, motorized off-road travel is authorized to access and load firewood. The permit does not authorize motorized cross-country travel to scout for firewood, but it does authorize off-road vehicle use by the most direct route in and out of the area to accomplish firewood retrieval. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.

The Coconino National Forest now has GPS-enabled firewood maps for smartphones, tablets and Garmin GPS devices, which may be used as a supplement to the firewood guide issued with each permit.

Firewood cutters should be aware chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush, so please take care when cutting firewood. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless-steel spark arrestor screen. As the season continues, cutters need to ensure they are aware of any fire restrictions by checking local Forest Service information.

Free use firewood areas

There are currently no free-use firewood areas designated for the 2022 season, but areas may be designated at a later point. Please check with your local Forest Service office periodically for any updates.

Other permit info

Additional forest and district permit programs such as Wildings, Post, Poles or House logs and Post and Stays will also be open for sale.