As temperatures drop and winter deepens, Anza Valley residents are preparing to stay warm through the colder months. For many locals, firewood remains a reliable, renewable and affordable heating source. But using wood for heat requires a good understanding of its properties, proper storage methods, accurate measurements and safety precautions.Understanding firewood’s heating powerThe heating potential of firewood is measured in British thermal units, or BTUs. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Different wood types produce varying amounts of heat. Hardwoods like oak and eucalyptus generate more BTUs than softwoods like cottonwood or pine, making them more efficient for heating.Measuring firewood: What
