Buying Firewood? Don't Get Burned! 

January 31, 2023 - Mariposa, CA - Check out these helpful tips from the Mariposa County Ag Commissioner's office. Remember, there are laws and regulations that firewood sellers shall follow, including that firewood can only be sold by cord, fraction or a cord, or cubic volume for bundled firewood. "Truckload" is not an option.

- When ordering bulk firewood, it MUST be sold in a cord or fraction of a cord measurement.

- Get a receipt from the firewood dealer, it is required by State law. The receipt needs to have the seller's name and address, price, volume, and type of wood purchased. If possible, get the seller's phone number and the vehicle make, model, and license plate number of the delivery vehicle.

- Look at and measure the wood when it is delivered or when you pick it up. You can ask the seller to stack it so you can confirm you received what you paid for. You may have to pay extra for this service.

- State law states that a cord should be “ranked and well-stowed.” That means that you should stack the wood neatly in a line or row, with pieces touching and parallel to each other and stacked compactly, minimizing air spaces between pieces.

- The easiest way to know if you have the correct amount is to place wood in a pre-made, pre-measured rack designed and built to hold 128 cubic feet. That way you will quickly know if you have received accurate measure.

- Most Important: Measure the wood before using any. If the cubic measurement indicates that you did not receive the correct volume, contact the seller immediately.

- If the seller can't or won't correct the problem, contact the Mariposa County Department of Weights and Measures at 1-209-966-2075 before you burn any wood. Timing is important in these investigations; you may not be the only customer to get burned by the wood seller.

Stay warm this winter, but don't get burned! If you have questions, call 1-209-966-2075.

Source: Mariposa County