Softwood Firewood

Pros:

1. Lights Easily: Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and fir, catch fire quickly and burn hot from the start.
2. Not Suitable for Open Fires: Softwoods tend to spark, which makes it unsuitable for open fires as it can contribute to house fires.
3. Cheaper and Easier to Find: Softwoods grow faster and are more abundant, so they are usually less expensive and easier to obtain.
4. Quick Burn: Since softwood tends to burn faster, it’s ideal for quick fires, like in a campfire or for cooking.
5. Great for Kindling: Softwoods are often used as kindling for starting fires because they ignite quickly.

Cons:

1. Burns Faster: While softwood burns quickly, it also means it burns out faster. This requires more frequent re-stoking.
2. More Creosote: Softwoods can produce more creosote, which builds up in chimneys and can cause dangerous chimney fires if not cleaned regularly.
3. Less Heat Output: Softwood generally produces less heat compared to hardwood, so it may not be the best choice for long, sustained heat.
4. Softer and More Resinous: Softwood is often resinous, which can lead to more popping and spitting, and create more soot buildup.