The Fyrewood was so named both because of the frequent wildfires that used to sweep through the area and for its extensive exploitation for firewood and lumber a century ago.

As a result of a long-running land dispute between the Grand Duchy of Radiata and the Bishopric of Scalling, the Fyrewood was claimed by neither as both advanced their claims to the city of Oldport down the river. As a result, the Fyrewood was governed by the laws of neither, setting the stage for intensive and destructive exploitation. By the time the two entities were joined in personal union by the Prince-Bishop Leonard I, and the dispute settled, hardly any trees remained in the Fyrewood outside of its deepest reaches.

In response, the Prince-Bishop declared the area a nature preserve, and refused to allow any logging, hunting, or other exploitation for the remainder of his long reign. His great-nephew and successor, Leonard II, followed the same policy. Now that the throne has passed to a more distant cousin, who succeeded them as Leonard III, there is some hope among loggers and hunters that the area may be reopened.

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