County announces firewood regulations

Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise announced the following guidelines to make sure consumers are receiving the correct amount of firewood this winter:

•Firewood, in non-packaged forms, is sold by a measure called a cord or fraction of a cord. A cord is defined as 128 cubic feet when the wood is neatly stacked. A standard cord is 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high.

•Measurement terms such as a rick, rack, face cord, pile, or truckload are strictly prohibited when advertising or selling firewood or stovewood.

•A seller must provide a buyer with an invoice that shows the seller’s name, address, phone number, price per cord, total amount and type of wood purchased.

•Buyers should record the license plate number of the wood delivery truck. The delivered wood should be stacked in a cord or a fraction of a cord. Measure the stack (width x height x length) and contact the seller immediately if you do not receive the quantity purchased. Document the possible shortage by taking a picture of the stacked wood.

Scalise stated, “A license is required to sell or advertise the sale of firewood in Summit County. Since firewood is a taxable product, all firewood dealers must also have a valid Ohio retail vendor’s license.”For additional information regarding firewood or to report a complaint, call the weights and measures department at 330-630-7226 or visit fiscaloffice.summitoh.net and select the firewood-licensing link on the homepage.