Forest Service Extends Permitless Local-Use Pisgah Firewood Collection Through 2026

Residents of Buncombe County can collect downed, local-use firewood in parts of Pisgah National Forest without a permit through 2026, a temporary measure designed to remove storm-felled fuel that raises wildfire risk and to provide an accessible heating resource for households still recovering from Tropical Storm Helene.

The U.S. Forest Service announced the extension on Jan. 21, 2026, in response to storm damage and a winter storm forecast for the region. The policy applies to downed wood only and is limited to local-use collection in specific areas of Pisgah. The agency framed the move as both a recovery action and a risk-reduction step: removing downed trees reduces available fuel for wildfires while helping residents who rely on wood heat after storm-related losses.

Collection comes with clear restrictions to protect visitor safety, ongoing restoration work, and forest operations. Collectors must stay out of closed areas and active-logging zones, keep vehicles on designated roads, use collected wood locally, remove any trash they bring in, and refrain from lighting on-site warming fires. These rules aim to prevent damage to sensitive restoration areas, reduce the chance of motor vehicle incidents on fragile forest roads, and avoid accidental ignitions amid storm debris.

The extension has immediate public health and equity implications for Buncombe County. By making fuel available without permit costs or complex application processes, the policy reduces heating insecurity for lower-income households, older adults, and residents in remote communities who were disproportionately affected by Helene. At the same time, removing downed material reduces the long-term risk of large wildfires and the associated smoke that can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions in the county.

Practical considerations remain. Not all parts of Pisgah are open for permitless collection; closures may be in place for recovery operations, unsafe conditions, or active timber work. Residents should confirm which areas are open and learn about any temporary restrictions before heading out. Contact the Pisgah National Forest ranger district offices or check the U.S. Forest Service website for the latest maps and status updates.

Local community organizations, emergency shelters, and neighborhood networks may also coordinate sharing of donated firewood or offer information on safe wood-cutting practices and fuel storage. Bringing appropriate tools, wearing protective gear, and traveling only on approved roads will reduce the chance of injury and avoid adding strain to forest recovery efforts.

For Buncombe County readers, the extension means an immediate, if temporary, source of fuel and a community-level step toward reducing wildfire risk. Confirm current access and follow the rules so wood collection helps recovery without creating new hazards as the region moves from emergency response into rebuilding.