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Firewood Fact Sheet

November 15, 2004

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Firewood must be sold in either a Standard Cord, Cubic Foot, or Loose Thrown Cord as stated in 10 MRSA § 2302: Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: [1973, c. 91, § 1 (rpr).]

1. Cord;

A. A standard cord is a unit of measure of wood products 4 feet wide, 4 feet high and 8 feet long, or its equivalent, containing 128 cubic feet when the wood is ranked and well stowed. Any voids that will accommodate a stick, log or bolt of average dimensions to those in that pile shall be deducted from the measured volume. [1979, c. 659, § 1 (rpr).]

A-2. Fuel wood, when sold loose and not ranked and well stowed, shall be sold by the cubic foot or loose cord, unless other arrangements are made between the buyer and seller. When sold by the loose cord, the wood in any cord shall average either12 inches, 16 inches or 24 inches in length. When so sold, the volume of the cords shall be: A cord of 12 or 16 inches in length shall mean the amount of wood, bark and air contained in a space of 180 cubic feet; and a cord of wood 24 inches in length shall mean the amount of wood, bark and air contained in a space of 195 cubic feet. [1981, c. 219 (amd).]

When firewood is delivered it must be accompanied by a delivery ticket stating the following information as required in 10 MRSA § 2624: Sale from bulk

Whenever the quantity is determined by the seller, bulk sales in excess of $20 and all bulk deliveries of heating fuel shall be accompanied by a delivery ticket containing the following information: [1973, c. 91, § 10 (new).]

1. Name and address. The name and address of the vendor and purchaser; [1973, c. 91, § 10 (new).]

2. Date. The date delivered; [1973, c. 91, § 10 (new).]

3. Quantity. The quantity delivered and the quantity upon which the price is based, if this differs from the delivered quantity; [1973, c. 91, § 10 (new).] * see note

4. Identity. The identity in the most descriptive terms commercially practicable, including any quality representation made in connection with the sale; [1973, c. 91, § 10 (new).]

*note: The delivery ticket must always indicate when fuel wood is sold by the loose thrown cord.

If you believe you have not received the correct measure when purchasing firewood please contact:

Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources

Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations

28 State House Station

Augusta, Maine 04333

Tel (207) 287-3841

Fax (207) 287-5576

hal.prince@maine.gov