ALNA — The return of frigid weather to Maine this week could put additional strain on people who heat their homes with firewood.

Firewood dealers say many woodpiles may be running low because the cold weather in December and early January caused people to burn more wood than usual. Some dealers are scrambling to get customers re-supplied.

At Black Fly Firewood in Alna, owners tell WLBZ-TV demand is so heavy they have a six- to eight-week order backlog.

Co-owner Louis Brown says he heard of one person cutting down dead trees in the woods to keep their home warm.

The price for kiln-dried wood runs $325 per cord, compared to $280 for seasoned. The staff at Black Fly say even with the higher price, kiln-dried wood is still cheaper than heating oil.