Think of a log as a sponge. If you throw a wet sponge into a fire, the fire has to use all its energy to boil the water out of the sponge before the sponge can actually burn. Wood works the same way.
You may see bags of wood for sale labeled "Kiln-Dried." seasoned wood
is wood that has been dried to a specific moisture level—ideally below 20% —making it suitable for efficient burning or woodworking. Unlike "green" or freshly cut wood, which can contain up to 50%–60% water, seasoned wood has undergone a natural air-drying process that typically takes 6 to 18 months. Why Seasoning Matters Think of a log as a sponge
Wood is split (to increase surface area) and stacked in a way that allows air to circulate between the logs. You may see bags of wood for sale labeled "Kiln-Dried
Fact: Wood seasoned for 5+ years outdoors may be dry on the outside but can be re-wetted by rain or degraded by fungus (punky wood). 1-2 years is optimal for firewood.