Issue Date:  -  Friday, 27 May 2005

Don’t get burned by dodgy firewood suppliers

The heat is being turned up on firewood suppliers to ensure that consumers are getting what they paid for.

Consumer Protection inspectors are conducting spot checks on firewood merchants to ensure they are supplying the correct weight of wood to householders.

Officers from the Trading Standards Branch are also on the look out for unscrupulous suppliers who mix sand, gravel and bark to bulk up the apparent weight of firewood.

Earlier this month, Consumer Protection launched an investigation into a firewood merchant for shortchanging a consumer by supplying less than the customer ordered.

But householders are also advised to take a few simple steps to ensure they do not get burned when buying firewood this winter.

Consumer Protection’s advice is:

• Don’t order by the “trailer-load” because this could mean any quantity;
• Order by the tonne and insist the load be weighed;
• Ensure the supplier gives you a weight docket;
• Try to be home when the wood is delivered so you see what is dropped off;
• When buying bagged firewood, make sure it has the weight and type of wood stamped on the packaging;
• Shop around for reputable suppliers or ask friends or neighbours for trusted referrals.

”If consumers pay for a tonne of wood, that’s what they should get, not three quarters of a tonne or a load which is mixed with earth or gravel or is mostly bark,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

Mr Walker said it was important to be specific about what type of wood you want, to ask for a weighed load and to get a weight docket.

As a rule of thumb, a tonne of dry split jarrah should be about two cubic metres when stacked.

Consumers wanting more information can call Consumer Protection during office hours on 1300 30 40 54.