Answer: More than likely, yes, but if wood is a problem or expensive in your area you can supplement with charcoal. You would be amazed at how much delicious flavor can come from a fist sized chunk added to charcoal embers every 60-90 minutes. I have no idea what kind of trees are in your area, but if I had a stick burner that big and I didn't have wood readily available, I'd take a chainsaw on a road trip with my F150. Gotta be some trees and national forest within 200 miles...... providing CA will issue a permit to harvest downed trees out of a national forest.
Welcome. That is one hell of a smoker. Just use it and figure it out. Smoke a couple of chickens and a butt or 3
After you figure it out, invite all of San Diego over for a cookout lol.