Fairbanks faces firewood supply crisis

Aurora Energy, a major supplier of dry firewood in Fairbanks, is going to get out of the business by the end of this year.

Even selling firewood at $650 a cord, the kiln-dried firewood business is not profitable, the company says.

Aurora says it will sell about 1,200 more cords before calling it quits.

This decision is likely to lead to increased air pollution in Fairbanks because people are going to be burning more wet firewood. Other people who rely on Aurora Energy because they can’t cut their own firewood will have to find alternatives.

“Existing orders will be fulfilled, and we will be reaching out to coordinate deliveries. All delivery spots have been filled, and we are no longer taking orders,” Aurora Energy posted on its website.

“Self-load wood drops will continue as long as firewood remains available, concluding before the end of 2026.”

Businesses that rely on wood energy, such as the Hungry Robot pizza establishment with wood-fired ovens, are facing a major challenge, as this Facebook post explains.