Editorial photo #13883728 Human Interest

CHILE: The Use Of Firewood In Southern Chile.

Firewood for sale in Osorno, Chile, on June 8, 2026. In south-central Chile, 95% of households use firewood for heating, cooking, heating water, and drying clothes. It is primarily purchased on the informal market, which can lead to illegal logging and insufficient monitoring of moisture content. Low-income families often face challenges affording high-quality firewood due to its cost and limited storage space. Despite price increases, firewood remains a more economical option and holds cultural significance for its warmth. (Photo by Fernando Lavoz/NurPhoto)