Northwesterners-red alder & bigleaf maple?

[Creekside]

What's your opinion of the two most prevalent native "hardwoods" in the northwest as firewood? I have always mostly burned Doug fir because it is everywhere and easy to get for free. I have never been impressed with maple or alder but I wonder if I don't let it season long enough? Our new property has lots of both so I will be burning more of it.

 

[blacktail]

Both are fine. Maple has about the same BTUs as Doug Fir. Alder has lower BTUs but is plentiful and a breeze to split. I burn both without hesitation.

 

[Creekside]

Huh I never knew Alder had lower BTUs, but you're right there's no reason not to burn it if its dry.

 

[blacktail]

https://www.chimneysweeponline.com/howood.htm