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Purchasing firewood

Commercial firewood operations are managed through contracts administered by the Forest Products Commission.

Information on where to purchase firewood sourced from sustainably managed, approved forest harvest operations and approved local firewood suppliers is on the Forest Products Commission website.

Where can I collect firewood?

There are several locations in the Perth hills where you may, with a valid permit, collect firewood for personal use. Please visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) website for more information on firewood collection, or contact DBCA on 9219 9000 / via email.

Why can’t I collect firewood from Shire-managed land?

  • Dead (tree) wood provides habitats for native wildlife
  • Removal of trees/shrubs can cause erosion issues
  • Shire verges/reserves are Crown land, and wood removal from this land is not allowed.
  • There are public safety concerns and traffic hazard risks involved

The Shire wishes to remind the community that collecting firewood must be done from the appropriate places with the appropriate permissions and collection from reserves is not legal and infringments may be issued.

Storing collected wood

Storing wood piles in preparation for the next winter is common practice however wood can create a significant fire hazard to your home. Wood piles can also become a home for rodents, pests and termites if not stored sensibly.

Some tips on storing wood piles:

  • Store it away (outside your Asset Protection Zone) from your house and garage to reduce the risk of a fire hazard, along with pests and termites being brought into your home.
  • Have a dedicated storage shed or area that can be fully enclosed to reduce embers or running fires spreading into your pile.
  • Stack your pile neat and loosely off the ground.
  • Ensure your wood storage area has adequate pest controls in place.

Protecting the Environment and yourself

To protect our forests, the continued availability of firewood and to ensure your safety, there are some must-dos when collecting firewood.

  • Phytophthora dieback is a serious environmental threat, and large areas of State forest are set aside as a Dieback Risk Area (DRA). While firewood collection may be permitted in a DRA, permission to enter a DRA is required. Your local DBCA office can help with the process to enter a DRA.
  • To help prevent the spread of Phytophthora dieback; if it is raining wait for a dry spell to collect firewood, avoid puddles and stay on existing tracks and roads. Driving off-road disturbs vegetation and causes soil movement.
  • Avoid environmentally sensitive areas, such as stream and river reserves, granite outcrops and old-growth forest.
  • Do not cut logs marked with an H (usually marked with white spray paint). These logs are important habitat for our native animals.
  • Do not dispose of or dump garden refuse and litter or other rubbish in the forest. This is illegal and introduces weeds and diseases.
  • As DBCA has ongoing pest animal control across forest areas, pets should not be taken into State forest. Pest animal control will often involve baiting with 1080, a toxin hazardous to domestic animals but not native animals. Areas subject to baiting are signposted. View a map of Western Shield 1080 baiting sites.
  • When collecting firewood remember your safety is important. Please take care and get everyone home safely. Wear appropriate safety gear and use any equipment, such as axes, chainsaws and wheelbarrows, as directed by the manufacturer. Avoid working alone and keep on-hand an up-to-date first aid kit. Be aware of any planned burns or fire bans.