Fiscal officer reminds consumers of cord measurements, invoice requirements and prohibited sales terms
Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise is reminding residents to verify measurements and documentation when purchasing firewood as temperatures drop.
The fiscal officer’s weights and measures inspectors enforce Ohio laws protecting consumers buying firewood. Scalise outlined key regulations to ensure buyers receive the correct amount.
Firewood must be sold by the cord or fraction of a cord in non-packaged forms. A standard cord measures 128 cubic feet when neatly stacked, typically 8 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet high.
Sellers cannot use measurement terms including rick, rack, face cord, pile or truckload when advertising or selling firewood.
Buyers must receive an invoice showing the seller’s name, address, phone number, price per cord, total amount and wood type. Scalise recommends recording the delivery truck’s license plate number and measuring the stacked wood immediately upon delivery.
Consumers who don’t receive the purchased quantity should contact the seller and document the shortage with photographs of the stacked wood.
Firewood sellers must hold a license to operate in Summit County and maintain a valid Ohio retail vendor’s license since firewood is taxable.
Residents can report complaints or request information by calling the weights and measures department at 330-630-7226 or visiting the fiscal office website at fiscaloffice.summitoh.net.
