Many wood-fired restaurants in Milwaukee are using low-quality, untreated firewood that contains pests, mold, and tree diseases, posing a risk to public health and the environment. Without regulations, restaurants can source unsafe firewood to cut costs, compromising food safety and contributing to the spread of invasive species. Mandating the use of USDA or WDATCP-certified heat-treated firewood ensures cleaner air, safer food, and protection for Wisconsin’s forests.

 

 

 

 

Milwaukee is known for its vibrant food scene, with many restaurants embracing the art of wood-fired cooking—from smoked meats and wood-fired pizza ovens to open hearth grilling. However, the quality of firewood used in these establishments varies drastically, and many restaurants are sourcing low-quality, untreated firewood that poses serious health and environmental risks.

We, as firewood manufacturers and distributors, have witnessed firsthand the dangers of uncertified firewood. Many restaurants, in an attempt to cut costs, are using wood that is untreated, moldy, or even infested with pests and tree diseases. This compromises food safety and puts customers at risk, as cooking over contaminated wood can introduce harmful elements into food. Additionally, the use of low-quality, untreated firewood contributes to the spread of invasive pests and plant diseases, threatening Wisconsin's forests and urban greenery.

Why Mandate Certified USDA & WDATCP Firewood?

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) has established a firewood certification program to ensure firewood is properly treated, safe, and free from harmful pests and diseases. However, its use in restaurants remains optional—leaving room for unsafe practices.

By requiring Milwaukee's wood-fired restaurants to use only WDATCP-certified heat-treated firewood, we can:

• ✅ Ensure food safety by eliminating the risk of mold, mildew, and pests contaminating restaurant kitchens and meals. 
• ✅ Protect Wisconsin’s forests by preventing the spread of invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer and Oak Wilt.
• ✅ Improve air quality by reducing the harmful emissions from burning untreated, high-moisture firewood.
• ✅ Raise industry standards by ensuring restaurants only use clean, kiln-dried, properly treated firewood.

For more information on the benefits and safety of kiln-dried firewood, visit Best Burn Firewood - What Is Kiln Dried Firewood. (ref. A local certified firewood supplier)

The Solution: A Citywide Mandate of USDA & WDATCP Certified Firewood

We call on Milwaukee city officials and the Wisconsin Department of Health to mandate the use of WDATCP-certified heat-treated firewood in all commercial wood-fired cooking establishments.

References & Data

• Current Certified Vendors (Only "heat treatment" vendors provide kiln-dried, high-quality firewood.)
• WDATCP Firewood Best Management Practices
• WDATCP Firewood Dealer Certification Program
• USDA Certification (Federal Level)
• Dont Move Firewood Resources

How You Can Help

Sign this petition to urge local lawmakers to take action and protect public health, our forests, and our environment. We need your support to ensure every restaurant in Milwaukee meets proper safety and environmental standards.

Who's In Charge?

Food establishments in The City of Milwaukee are inspected by the Consumer Environmental Health Divison for violations and unsafe practices. Businesses include restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, caterers, groceries and confectionery stores, meat markets, farmers markets, temporary events, vending machines, food carts and mobile vendors (food trucks). Wisconsin Restaurant Association | Milwaukee Health Department

Join us in making wood-fired dining safer for everyone. Sign now and make a difference!