Lake Stevens threatens to fine man thousands for chopping wood for charity

by Gabe Cohen | KOMO NewsThursday, October 24th 2019

Firewood feud: Lake Stevens threatens to fine man who chops wood for charity (KOMO News)

LAKE STEVENS, Wash. (KOMO) - The city of Lake Stevens is threatening to fine a man $35,000 every two weeks for the massive pile of firewood outside his home that he chopped for charity.

KOMO News featured Shane McDaniel on Eric’s Heroes last year for chopping donated logs to provide firewood for elderly, sick and struggling people for winter.

McDaniel has a huge pile of chopped wood outside his Lake Stevens home, and a smaller one outside his store across town. The pile has grown in recent months. McDaniel says volunteers will deliver the wood in the coming weeks.

A recent notice from the city threatens to fine McDaniel $35,000 every two weeks if he does not start delivering the wood soon.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” McDaniel said. “It’s just the bully mentality of the local government here.”

Gabe Cohen | Firewood feud

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Lake Stevens Mayor John Spencer says the woodpile is a fire hazard. He says fire crews would not be able to reach McDaniel’s home in an emergency, and the pile could create a massive blaze that spreads to other houses.

“We have a wood pile that represents a public risk,” Spencer said. “We have talked to him many many times, saying you need to move that pile but at this point he’s basically told us to blow off.”

McDaniel claims the city donated several logs a few months ago. Spencer denies that. McDaniel says he’s ready to go to court.

But the mayor says they have no plans to actually fine McDaniel – they just wanted to get his attention.

Firewood feud: Lake Stevens threatens to fine man who chops wood for charity (KOMO News)

“The whole goal here is to get the wood to people who need it,” he said. “That’s the point. And we’re asking him to do it. Let’s get on with it. If he needs help with it we’ll help him.”

McDaniel says he doesn’t need the help. He has a group of volunteers ready.

McDaniel claims this feud dates back three years. He thinks there’s a vendetta at City Hall over a reader board he put up at his store, claiming the city was misusing a building.

“That’s bull****,” Spencer said. “There’s no vendetta. What’s the vendetta? He’s a good guy. We’ve worked with him I don’t know what he’s talking about.”

McDaniel says most of the wood will be delivered by Christmas. If that happens, the city says there is no way they will fine him.

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Video at source.