Michael Sibbersen, Wood County Auditor, reminds the consumer that the Weights & Measures division of his office assures that products meet claims for actual weights
and volumes. As part of these responsibilities, the Auditor’s Weights and Measures division enforces Ohio’s laws defining the units of measurement for firewood sales.
Mr. Sibbersen recommends consumers protect themselves from fraud by following
these tips when purchasing firewood:
- Buy firewood by the “cord” – Ohio Law protects consumers
by requiring that firewood be sold by the cord or fraction of
a cord. Other measurements such as “rick”, “rack” “facecord”,
or “truck load” are illegal and strictly prohibited.
- Firewood is defined as: any kindling, logs, boards, timbers, or
other wood, split or not split, advertised, offered for sale, or
sold as solid fuel.
- A “cord” is defined as: 128 cubic feet in volume when well
stowed and tightly stacked. Traditionally a cord is a stack of
wood 8’ long by 4’ high and 4’ wide. A properly stacked
cord of wood should have pieces placed parallel to each other
in a compact manner. Firewood is frequently sold at grocery
stores in small bundles which are measured in fractions of
cubic feet. Such packaging would be in compliance with the law.
- Get a receipt – Firewood sellers must provide a sales invoice to
buyers. It must contain the name and address of the seller and
buyer, delivery date, quantity delivered, quantity upon which
the price is based, total price of amount delivered, and the
identity of the product in descriptive terms.
- Inquire about the source – citizens should inquire about the
source of any firewood they buy and avoid purchasing ash logs.
Ohio Department of Agriculture has enacted a quarantine that
prohibits the movement of any ash material – including firewood
from areas where the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Lucas,
Wood and many other counties. There is a $4,000.00 fine for
bringing any ash tree material or firewood into Ohio from Michigan.
If you have any questions concerning the above, please contact the Wood County Auditor’s Office, division of Weights & Measures at 419-354-9156 or toll free at
1-866-860-4140 (Ext 9156).
