Douglas Fir Firewood Profile

This comprehensive Douglas Fir firewood profile explores the structural giant of the West, delivering 18,100-20,900 BTUs per cord with excellent burning characteristics and widespread availability.

Known as one of the best softwood options for firewood, Douglas Fir offers reliable heat output and pleasant burning qualities that make it a favorite among western firewood users.

Quick Reference Stats

• Wood Type: Softwood (evergreen conifer)

• BTU Rating: 18,100-20,900 BTUs per cord

• Ease of Splitting: Easy to Moderate (4/5 scale)

• Seasoning Time: 6-12 months

• Smoke Production: Low to Moderate

• Spark/Pop Factor: Moderate to High

• Scent Profile: Excellent – Sweet, pleasant pine-like aroma

Overview & Identification

Douglas Fir represents the gold standard of western softwood firewood, offering dependable heat output and burning characteristics that make it a regional favorite.

This majestic conifer provides consistent performance with the added benefit of delightful aroma and relatively easy processing.

The distinctive cones with protruding bracts and deeply furrowed bark make identification straightforward for this western icon.

Common Names: Douglas Fir, Doug Fir, Oregon Pine (historical)

Scientific Name: Pseudotsuga menziesii (family Pinaceae)

Tree Characteristics: Large evergreen conifer reaching 80-200+ feet with straight trunk and pyramidal to irregular crown. Features flat, soft needles arranged spirally and distinctive cones with three-pronged bracts. Not a true fir despite the name.

Geographic Distribution

Where You’ll Find It: Western North America from British Columbia to Mexico, with separate variety in Rocky Mountains

Availability: Excellent in western regions – abundant from logging, construction, and tree services

Growing Conditions: Thrives in diverse conditions from sea level to mountains. Forms vast forests and grows rapidly.

Burning Characteristics

Heat Output & Performance

• BTU Content: Good heat production for a softwood – provides comfortable warmth

• Burn Duration: Moderate burn time – longer than pine but shorter than hardwoods

• Coaling Properties: Forms moderate coals sufficient for heat retention between loadings

• Flame Characteristics: Burns with bright, cheerful flames and steady heat output

Ignition & Fire Management

• Ease of Lighting: Ignites readily – excellent for cold starts

• Best Fire Stage: Versatile fuel for all fire stages from kindling to primary heat

• Burn Rate: Moderate to fast consumption requires regular feeding

• Heat Consistency: Steady, reliable heat output throughout burn cycle

Sensory Experience

Smoke Profile

• Smoke Volume: Low to moderate when properly seasoned

• Smoke Color: Clean burning with light smoke production

• Smoke Flavor: Sweet, mild flavor popular for some smoking applications

• Creosote Production: Moderate – requires regular chimney maintenance

Sound & Visual

• Crackling/Popping: Moderate to high – provides classic fireplace ambiance

• Sparking Tendency: Can throw sparks – screen essential for safety

• Flame Appearance: Beautiful bright flames with excellent visual appeal

Aroma

• Burning Scent: Sweet, pleasant pine-like fragrance highly prized

• Pleasant Factor: Widely loved aroma that enhances fireside experience

• Intensity: Moderate to strong aromatic presence fills room pleasantly

Processing & Preparation

Splitting Characteristics

• Ease of Splitting: Generally easy with straight grain sections

• Grain Pattern: Mostly straight but can have challenging knots

• Tools Needed: Maul or splitting axe handles most pieces well

• Best Splitting Conditions: Splits easiest when fresh – can be stringy when dry

Seasoning Requirements

• Drying Time: 6-12 months for optimal burning moisture

• Moisture Content: Starts high but dries efficiently with proper stacking

• Seasoning Tips: Benefits from splitting and good air circulation

• Storage Considerations: Cover top but allow side ventilation

Processing Notes

• Chainsaw Considerations: Cuts smoothly with moderate pitch buildup

• Bark Characteristics: Thick, deeply furrowed bark on mature trees

• Handling: Moderate weight – manageable for most users

• Safety Considerations: Pitch pockets can cause unexpected popping

Specialized Uses

Popular Applications

• Primary Heating: Widely used as main heating fuel in western states

• Fireplace Ambiance: Excellent for atmosphere with aroma and visual appeal

• Camping: Preferred campfire wood for availability and performance

• Smoking Foods: Mild flavor complements fish and poultry

Construction & Craft Uses

• Lumber Value: Premium construction timber when not used for fuel

• Kindling Production: Splits into excellent kindling pieces

• Wood Chips: Aromatic chips popular for paths and smoking

• Traditional Crafts: Straight grain sections useful for various projects

Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Excellent heat output for a softwood

• Wonderful aroma enhances burning experience

• Readily available in western regions

• Seasons relatively quickly

• Easy to split most pieces

• Great for starting fires

• Provides cheerful flames and ambiance

• Moderate price point

• Sustainable and renewable resource

• Versatile for various burning needs

Disadvantages

• Burns faster than hardwoods

• Can spark significantly requiring screens

• Produces moderate creosote buildup

• Not ideal for overnight burns

• Regional availability limited to West

• Pitch can be messy when processing

• More ash than premium hardwoods

• Requires frequent loading

• May not satisfy hardwood preferences

• Knots can make some pieces difficult

Best Practices & Tips

Efficient Burning Strategy

• Loading Technique: Add pieces regularly for consistent heat

• Air Control: Maintain proper airflow to minimize smoke

• Mixed Burns: Combine with hardwood for extended burn times

• Safety First: Always use spark screen and monitor actively

Processing Optimization

• Early Splitting: Split soon after cutting for easier processing

• Size Variety: Create range of sizes for different burning needs

• Pitch Management: Clean tools regularly to prevent buildup

• Selective Processing: Set aside knotty pieces for outdoor burning

Seasonal Usage

• Fall/Spring: Excellent primary fuel for moderate heating needs

• Winter Supplement: Mix with hardwoods for coldest periods

• Summer Campfires: Perfect for outdoor gathering fires

• Year-round Kindling: Maintain supply of small splits

Bottom Line: Douglas Fir Firewood Profile

Douglas Fir earns its reputation as premium softwood firewood through consistent performance, pleasant burning characteristics, and excellent availability in western regions.

While it can’t match hardwood burn times, its combination of good heat output, delightful aroma, and reasonable price makes it an excellent choice for regular heating needs and atmospheric fires.

Best For: Western region users, fireplace ambiance, regular heating, camping, and those who appreciate aromatic wood

Skip If: You need long overnight burns, require minimal maintenance, live far from its range, or strongly prefer hardwoods

Last updated: 8/4/2025