Is Douglas Fir Good Firewood? A Comprehensive Guide to Heating Your Home

When it comes to selecting the right firewood for your home, the question “Is Douglas fir good firewood?” often arises among homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts. Douglas fir, a prevalent coniferous tree in North America, has gained attention as a potential firewood source. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of using Douglas fir as firewood. We’ll explore its heat output, burning properties, and overall suitability for various heating needs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of whether Douglas fir is the right choice for your fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit.

Understanding Douglas Fir

Botanical Overview

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a coniferous tree species native to western North America. Despite its name, it’s not a true fir but belongs to its own genus, Pseudotsuga. This evergreen tree is known for its impressive height, often reaching 60-75 meters (200-250 feet) in mature forests. The tree’s scientific name honors Archibald Menzies, a Scottish naturalist who first discovered the species in 1791.

Geographic Distribution

Douglas fir is widely distributed across the western United States and Canada. It’s particularly abundant in the Pacific Northwest, including states like Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The tree’s range extends from British Columbia south to central California and east to the Rocky Mountains. This wide distribution makes Douglas fir readily available as a potential firewood source in many regions.

Growth Characteristics

Douglas fir is known for its rapid growth rate and longevity. In ideal conditions, these trees can live for 500-1,000 years. The tree’s bark is thick and deeply furrowed, providing natural fire resistance in its native habitats. Douglas fir produces distinctive cones with unique three-forked bracts protruding from between the scales, a feature that helps in its identification.

Properties of Douglas Fir as Firewood

Density and Weight

Douglas fir has a moderate density compared to other firewood options. Its average density is about 32 pounds per cubic foot when green (freshly cut) and about 28 pounds per cubic foot when seasoned (dried). This puts it in the medium-density category for firewood, which affects its burning characteristics and heat output.

Moisture Content

Like all trees, Douglas fir contains a significant amount of moisture when freshly cut. The moisture content of green Douglas fir can be as high as 70%. For optimal burning, the wood needs to be seasoned (dried) to reduce the moisture content to about 20% or less. This seasoning process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the climate and storage conditions.

Heat Output

The heat output of firewood is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord. A cord is a standard measure of firewood, equivalent to a stack 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. Douglas fir produces about 26.5 million BTUs per cord, which is considered moderate. While it doesn’t produce as much heat as some hardwoods like oak or hickory, it still provides a respectable amount of warmth.

Here’s a comparative table of heat output for various types of firewood:

Wood Type	Million BTUs per Cord
Douglas Fir	26.5
Red Oak	24.6
White Oak	29.1
Sugar Maple	24.0
White Pine	15.8
Eastern Cedar	12.2

Burning Characteristics

Douglas fir has several notable burning characteristics:

1. Easy ignition: Due to its resinous nature, Douglas fir ignites easily, making it excellent for starting fires.
2. Moderate burn time: It burns faster than dense hardwoods but slower than softer woods like pine.
3. Pleasant aroma: When burned, Douglas fir produces a subtle, pleasant scent that many find appealing.
4. Moderate smoke production: It produces less smoke than some other softwoods, but more than hardwoods.
5. Sparking tendency: Like many conifers, Douglas fir can produce sparks when burned, which may be a concern for open fireplaces.

Advantages of Using Douglas Fir as Firewood

Availability and Cost

One of the primary advantages of Douglas fir as firewood is its widespread availability in many regions, particularly in the western United States. This abundance often translates to lower costs compared to some premium hardwoods. For those living in areas where Douglas fir is common, it can be an economical choice for heating.

Easy to Split

Douglas fir is generally straight-grained and splits easily, especially when compared to some knotty or twisted hardwoods. This characteristic makes it easier to prepare for use, whether you’re splitting it yourself or purchasing pre-split firewood. The ease of splitting can save time and effort in firewood preparation.

Quick to Season

Compared to dense hardwoods, Douglas fir seasons (dries) relatively quickly. While it still requires 6-12 months of proper drying, this is faster than the 1-2 years often needed for dense hardwoods like oak. The quicker seasoning time means you can prepare your firewood supply more rapidly.

Good for Kindling

The resinous nature of Douglas fir makes it excellent for starting fires. Its wood ignites easily and burns hot initially, helping to establish a good base for your fire. This property makes Douglas fir particularly useful as kindling or for getting a fire going quickly on cold mornings.

Moderate Heat Output

While not the hottest-burning wood, Douglas fir provides a respectable amount of heat. Its moderate heat output can be advantageous in certain situations, such as in milder climates or during transitional seasons when intense heat isn’t necessary. It allows for better temperature control compared to extremely hot-burning woods.

Pleasant Aroma

Many people appreciate the subtle, pleasant scent that Douglas fir produces when burned. This aromatic quality can enhance the ambiance of a room heated by a fireplace or wood stove, adding to the overall experience of having a fire.

Disadvantages of Using Douglas Fir as Firewood

Lower Heat Output Than Hardwoods

While Douglas fir provides moderate heat, it doesn’t match the high heat output of premium hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple. This lower BTU rating means you may need to burn more wood to achieve the same level of warmth, which could be a disadvantage in very cold climates or for those seeking maximum heat efficiency.

Faster Burn Rate

Douglas fir tends to burn faster than denser hardwoods. This quicker burn rate means you’ll need to refuel your fire more frequently, which can be inconvenient, especially for overnight burning. It may not be the best choice for those looking for long-lasting coals.

Potential for Creosote Buildup

Like other softwoods, Douglas fir can contribute to creosote buildup in chimneys and flues, especially if burned when not properly seasoned. Creosote is a tar-like substance that can accumulate in chimney

s and poses a fire hazard if not regularly cleaned. While proper seasoning and burning practices can mitigate this risk, it’s something to be aware of when using Douglas fir.

Sparking Tendency

Douglas fir, like many conifers, has a tendency to produce sparks when burned. This characteristic can be a safety concern, particularly in open fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. The sparking may require additional precautions, such as using a fireplace screen, to prevent potential fire hazards.

Less Coaling Than Hardwoods

Compared to hardwoods, Douglas fir produces fewer and less long-lasting coals. This can be a drawback for those who rely on a bed of coals for consistent heat output or for cooking purposes. The reduced coaling ability may result in more frequent fire tending and reloading.

Resin Content

The high resin content in Douglas fir, while beneficial for easy ignition, can have some drawbacks. It can lead to a build-up of sticky residue in stoves and chimneys, potentially requiring more frequent cleaning. Additionally, the resin can sometimes cause popping and crackling, which might be disruptive in quiet environments.

Best Uses for Douglas Fir Firewood

Shoulder Season Heating

Douglas fir is particularly well-suited for use during the shoulder seasons – spring and fall – when temperatures are mild but a little extra warmth is needed. Its moderate heat output is often sufficient for these periods without overheating your space.

Mixing with Other Woods

Many experienced wood burners find that mixing Douglas fir with denser hardwoods can provide an optimal balance. The fir can help ignite and establish the fire quickly, while the hardwoods provide longer-lasting heat and coals.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Campfires

The easy ignition and pleasant aroma of Douglas fir make it an excellent choice for outdoor fire pits and campfires. Its tendency to spark can add to the ambiance in these settings, though proper safety precautions should always be observed.

Supplemental Heating

In regions with mild winters, Douglas fir can serve as an effective supplemental heat source. It can take the chill off a room quickly and provide a cozy atmosphere without overheating the space.

Pizza Ovens and Bread Ovens

The quick, hot burn of Douglas fir can be advantageous for wood-fired pizza ovens or bread ovens. It can help achieve the high temperatures needed for these cooking applications relatively quickly.

Harvesting and Processing Douglas Fir for Firewood

Sustainable Harvesting Practices

When harvesting Douglas fir for firewood, it’s crucial to follow sustainable practices. This includes:

1. Obtaining proper permits if harvesting from public lands.
2. Selecting trees that are already dead or fallen, when possible.
3. Avoiding the removal of old-growth trees, which are ecologically important.
4. Leaving some dead trees standing as they provide crucial habitat for wildlife.

Felling and Bucking

If you’re harvesting Douglas fir yourself, proper felling techniques are essential for safety and efficiency. The tree should be cut into manageable lengths (typically 16-24 inches) through a process called bucking. Always use appropriate safety gear and follow proper chainsaw safety procedures.

Splitting Douglas Fir

Douglas fir is generally easy to split, especially when compared to some hardwoods. It can often be split by hand using an axe or maul, though a hydraulic log splitter can make the job easier for larger quantities. Split the wood to a size appropriate for your wood stove or fireplace – typically 3-6 inches in diameter.

Proper Seasoning Techniques

Proper seasoning is crucial for getting the best performance from Douglas fir firewood. Here are some key points:

1. Stack the wood in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
2. Keep the wood off the ground using pallets or a dedicated firewood rack.
3. Cover the top of the stack to protect from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for airflow.
4. Allow 6-12 months for proper seasoning, depending on your climate.
5. Use a moisture meter to check that the wood has reached a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.

Environmental Considerations

Carbon Footprint

When considering the use of Douglas fir as firewood, it’s important to consider its environmental impact. While burning wood is often considered carbon-neutral (as trees absorb CO2 during their lifetime), the harvesting, processing, and transportation of firewood do contribute to carbon emissions. However, when sourced locally and harvested sustainably, Douglas fir can be a relatively low-impact heating option.

Forest Management

The harvesting of Douglas fir for firewood can play a role in forest management. When done responsibly, it can help in thinning overgrown forests, reducing wildfire risk, and promoting forest health. However, it’s crucial that harvesting is done in line with sustainable forestry practices to maintain ecosystem balance.

Wildlife Habitat

Douglas fir trees, particularly older specimens, provide important habitat for various wildlife species. Standing dead trees (snags) are especially valuable for birds and small mammals. When harvesting Douglas fir for firewood, it’s important to leave some trees and snags to support local wildlife populations.

Alternatives to Burning

While Douglas fir can be a good firewood option, it’s worth considering alternatives for home heating that may have a lower environmental impact. These could include:

1. High-efficiency wood stoves that reduce emissions and increase heat output.
2. Pellet stoves that use compressed wood waste.
3. Heat pumps or other electric heating options, especially if powered by renewable energy.
4. Improved home insulation to reduce overall heating needs.

Safety Considerations When Burning Douglas Fir

Creosote Management

Due to its resinous nature, Douglas fir can contribute to creosote buildup in chimneys. To mitigate this risk:

1. Always burn well-seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or less.
2. Maintain proper airflow in your wood stove or fireplace.
3. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
4. Consider using a chimney cleaning log periodically to help reduce creosote buildup.

Spark Management

The tendency of Douglas fir to produce sparks requires some safety measures:

1. Always use a fireplace screen when burning in an open fireplace.
2. Keep flammable materials away from the fire.
3. Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
4. Be extra cautious when using Douglas fir in outdoor settings, especially during dry conditions.

Proper Storage

Proper storage of Douglas fir firewood is crucial for both safety and optimal burning:

1. Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home to reduce pest issues.
2. Keep the wood stack covered but well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.
3. Bring in only as much wood as you plan to burn in a day or two to avoid bringing pests indoors.

Comparing Douglas Fir to Other Firewood Options

Douglas Fir vs. Other Softwoods

Compared to other softwoods like pine or cedar, Douglas fir generally performs better as firewood. It has a higher density and heat output than many other conifers, making it a preferred choice among softwoods for firewood.

Douglas Fir vs. Hardwoods

While Douglas fir doesn’t match the heat output and long burn times of dense hardwoods like oak or hickory, it offers some advantages. It’s typically easier to ignite, seasons faster, and is often more readily available and affordable in regions where it grows naturally.

Regional Considerations

The best firewood choice often depends on local availability. In the Pacific Northwest, where Douglas fir is abundant, it can be an excellent, cost-effective option. In other regions, local hardwoods might be more practical and economical choices.

Tips for Burning Douglas Fir Effectively

1. Always burn seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or less.
2. Start fires with small pieces of Douglas fir as kindling, then add larger pieces.
3. Maintain proper airflow in your wood stove or fireplace for efficient burning.
4. Consider mixing Douglas fir with denser hardwoods for longer-lasting fires.
5. Clean your chimney regularly to prevent creosote buildup.
6. Use a fireplace screen to contain sparks when burning in an open fireplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to season Douglas fir?

Douglas fir typically takes 6-12 months to properly season, depending on the climate and storage conditions. In dry, warm climates, it may season faster, while in humid or cool areas, it might take longer. Always use a moisture meter to ensure the wood has reached a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.

Is Douglas fir good for overnight burning?

Douglas fir is not ideal for overnight burning due to its relatively fast burn rate and lower coal production compared to dense hardwoods. For overnight burns, hardwoods like oak or hickory are generally better choices as they burn longer and produce more lasting coals.

Can Douglas fir be burned in a wood stove?

Yes, Douglas fir can be burned in a wood stove. However, due to its faster burn rate, you may need to refuel more frequently than with hardwoods. It’s also important to ensure your stove is appropriate for burning softwoods and to maintain proper airflow to minimize creosote buildup.