Auditor Kim R. Perez reminds people not to get burned when buying firewood
With skyrocketing energy prices, more and more people will turn to burning wood this winter to heat their homes. Because of this, it is important to know all the facts when it comes to buying firewood. Said Auditor Perez, “Many people in our county rely on burning wood to help them over the winter reduce their reliance on other fuel sources while others burn it out of necessity. Remember, if you do buy firewood, understand what your buying, your rights as a buyer, and purchase it from a reputable dealer.”
Some important things to remember when making your purchase is that in Ohio, the most common legal method of sale of firewood is the cord or fraction of a cord. A “cord” is defined as 128 cubic feet when the wood is stacked and well stowed. When a cord is properly stacked, it should be at least as large as a stack that is eight feet long by four feet high and four feet wide.
Also, the seller must provide the purchaser with a sales invoice which states:
• The name and address of the seller and purchaser
• Delivery date
• Cord or weight price
• Amount delivered and total price
The Auditor’s Weights & Measures department is responsible for enforcing Ohio’s laws regulating firewood sales in the county. If there is a problem with a firewood sale, and the seller will not correct the problem, contact the Weights & Measures department at 330-451-7356. A pamphlet titled, Helpful Tips When Purchasing Firewood, is available free of charge by calling the same number.
For additional information, please contact the Stark County Auditor’s office at 330-451-7106.
Also look at:
http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/weights/curr/news/wght-nr-purchasefirewood-121304.stm