Michigan was blasted with its first big winter storm over the past couple days, dropping more than a foot of snow in parts of the Upper Peninsula and heavy lake-effect bands across the state, according to ABC News.
Survival isn’t just about striking sparks—it’s about keeping your fuel bone-dry, ready, and reliable. Here are the five hard-earned rules every woodsman, homesteader, and backcountry prepper needs to know:
Cover Your Wood PileYour firewood is your lifeline. Rain, snow, and sleet will rot it faster than you think. A tarp or lean-to keeps the pile dry while still letting it breathe. Think of it as armor for your fuel—without it, you’re burning mold and misery.
Keep Your Wood Off the Ground (Raise It with Pallets)Moisture creeps up from the soil like a thief in the night. By stacking on pallets or rails, you stop rot, bugs, and fungus from eating your supply. Elevated wood = clean burn, less smoke, more heat.
Bark Side Up When StackingBark is nature’s shield. Stack with bark facing upward and it deflects rain like shingles on a roof. Flip it wrong, and you’ve built a sponge instead of a fortress. This simple trick keeps your pile dry from the top down.
Keep It in the Wind for Good AirflowAirflow is the secret weapon of seasoning wood. Stagnant piles stay damp, but wind strips moisture away. Ideal direction? West-to-east winds—they’re the most common across North America, giving your stack a natural drying tunnel. Harness the breeze, and your wood cures faster and burns hotter.
Put Your Wood in SunlightThe sun is your ally. UV and heat bake out the moisture, turning green logs into seasoned fuel. Shade breeds mold; sunlight breeds fire. Position your pile where it gets maximum exposure—your stove will thank you.
This isn’t just stacking wood—it’s stacking survival. Follow these rules and your firewood will stay rugged, reliable, and ready to roar when the cold bites.