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Downed trees from Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire now available as free firewood
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People can pick up free firewood from the burn scars of the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire with a permit.
Dead and downed trees on northern New Mexico land ravaged by wildfire have been deemed hazardous by the U.S. Forest Service and the Forestry Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, according to a news release by both agencies. The trees, available as firewood, have been piled along forest roads.
A permit to pick up the firewood is free and available at three ranger stations in the Santa Fe National Forest. Each household can collect and haul up to five cords of wood. A cord of wood measures 4 feet tall, 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, which is about the amount that would fit in the bed of a full-size pickup truck.
The wood isn’t processed into the manageably sized chunks of firewood that would be available in stores. Those picking up the firewood may need to bring appropriate equipment to break apart the wood before hauling it away.
Upon receiving the permit, people will be provided with maps detailing the exact location of downed tree piles, as well as load tags and additional guidelines for harvesting the wood.
The burn scars from last year’s fire — the largest in New Mexico’s history — are hazardous locations, with branches and trees that may fall, especially if it’s windy.
The Forest Services advises the public to stay vigilant while collecting firewood and to avoid the area entirely if it is windy.
“This is the first step in restoring safe access to the Santa Fe National Forest,” said Shaun Sanchez, forest supervisor for Santa Fe National Forest. “It will not only support future restoration work in the area but expand traditional use of the forest by the community.”
