PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island environmental officials are urging vacationers and campers not to transport firewood to prevent the spread of invasive insects that can be harmful to trees.
The Department of Environmental Management said Monday that anyone using firewood should obtain and use it locally.
The state worries that imported wood could spread destructive insects including the Asian longhorned beetle or the emerald ash borer which are not currently found in Rhode island. The insects have caused widespread damage to trees in several states.
Rhode Islanders are also being advised not to transport wood out of state because they could inadvertently transfer local pests to new environments.
