The Wood Shed

Profile in Compassion: Jay Leighton

This month, we feature the Fuels Technician and Equipment Operator for the Nez Perce Tribe Forestry and Fire Management's Senior Firewood Program, Jay Leighton.

Lincoln County Port Authority Revives Local Wood Economy One Warm Home at a Time

Libby, Montana, was the location of the first FEMA-funded Fire Prevention and Safety event organized by Alliance for Green Heat and Libby's Volunteer Fire Department. The Lincoln County Port Authority is also host to a firewood bank which was grantee of the 2025-2026 Firewood Bank Assistance Program. Read more about the event here.

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“As trees felled by the storm molder and dry out, the wood only becomes more flammable. ‘We are expecting another busy fire season this springtime based on the outlook,’ Melonas said.”

“They’re trying to head off the worst of spring wildfire season by getting rid of that fuel. In its decision, the Forest Service also considered the lack of affordable home heating options for many community members in the rural areas adjoining the Pisgah. ‘When we talk to our district rangers about this, there's definitely a need out there,’ Melonas said”

“The firewood is produced through Tulsa’s ongoing tree removal operations, which clear damaged and fallen trees from neighborhoods and public areas. Instead of disposing of the wood, the city processes it for reuse.” 

A Ministry of Warmth -The Franklin County Wood Bank (ME)

“The significance of the wood bank extends far beyond the practical provision of firewood. Heating a home in rural Maine is not merely a matter of comfort; it is a matter of health, safety, and dignity. For families living on modest incomes, the cost of fuel can consume a large share of household resources, limiting the ability to afford other necessities such as food, medicine, and transportation.”

 North Idaho Partners Help Heat Homes

“‘When these folks were younger, they wanted to live off the land and heat their homes with wood stoves,’ Newby said. ‘Forty years later, they can’t chop their own wood, but don’t want to leave their homes. That’s where we come in. The longer they can stay there — the happier they will be.’”

Marathon Partners with Nonprofit to Heat Indigenous Households Off the Grid (Navajo Nation)

“Turner Industries loaned Diné Ba’adeiti a piece of heavy equipment to help load logs faster in light of the quantities involved. A standard cord of wood (128 cubic feet) can weigh as much as 4,000 pounds.” 

“‘This equipment reduces the loading time of five cords of wood to 20 minutes versus five man-hours of tossing logs by hand to fill a trailer,’ said Meyers. ‘That’s significant when an average request for firewood can call for two hours of driving time, or a 240-mile round trip, across both the Navajo and Hopi Nations.’

High Street Baptist Firewood Ministry Helps Care For Community Members (NC)

“The High Street Baptist Church Men’s Firewood Ministry was established by church member Donald Rice in 2007. His legacy continues as the ministry remains committed to providing heating for the church’s widows and caring for the disadvantaged members of the community.” 

Ké in Action: Navajo Nation Unites to Keep Families Warm During Winter Storm

“Working alongside the Department of Emergency Management, staff coordinated firewood deliveries for elders in several communities, with special attention given to those with medical conditions. In Nageezi, Counselor, Ojo Encino, Huerfano, and Torreon, community representatives partnered with chapter staff to distribute firewood ahead of the storm.” 

Wood Bank Hustles To Meet Growing Demand: 'We Want It To Last For The People That Need It' (ME)

“Matthews said their work isn’t aiming to replace firewood businesses or alternative heating sources, but instead to support residents who need it.” 

WNC Firewood Ministry Provides Heat Source for Those In Need (NC)

“With the assistance of many partners, including Stewards of Amazing Grace Farm which provides a woodlot, tree services like Pisgah Land Solutions and Bartlett Tree Experts, who supply wood, and the cooperation of local agencies that help identify firewood recipients, the demand for the firewood ministry has risen."

The firewood bank community has an important role to play in promoting fire safety in the home. Sharing this infographic is a simple way to support safe practices and look out for the well-being of your community.