With much of Maryland in near or extreme drought conditions, state officials are implementing a statewide ban on open air burning, effective Friday.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the ban for all counties in the state.
Extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, according to a news release from the DNR. The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide.
Open-air burning such as campfires as well as charcoal grilling are not permitted under the burn ban, but state law does permit the use of propane grills.
“We do not make these determinations lightly and understand this may require some people to adjust their plans,” said DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz. “However, a ban of this magnitude is necessary to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors, as well as the state’s natural resources.”
He added, “Given the significant risk, this is the only option available to us that will allow for statewide monitoring and enforcement to prevent wildfires due to the dangerous conditions. We will be monitoring the wildfire risk daily to determine when it is safe to lift these restrictions.”
Outdoor fire restrictions are also in place for in Delaware and several Pennsylvania counties.
Authorized agents of the state DNR and all police officers that enforce state laws may enforce the restrictions. The fine for a first citation for violating the ban is $125.
Maryland Forest Service officials made the recommendation to implement the ban based on the following data:
- Since Oct. 1, the Forest Service has responded to more than 24 wildfires that have burned 75 acres, more than triple the 10-year average of 7 wildfires burning 21 acres for the month. Fighters are currently containing active fires in Washington, Frederick, Anne Arundel and Worcester counties.
- The state has received less than 25% of the average precipitation for October, with much of the state receiving little or no precipitation.
- The National Weather Climate Prediction Center weather outlook for the next six to 10 days calls for normal or below normal precipitation for most of the state.
🚫 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Enacts Statewide Burn Ban
Dry, windy conditions have increased fire risk across the state and fueled ongoing wildfires
Read more: https://t.co/Mx3PTDS2Me pic.twitter.com/L4VTCc6jRO
— Maryland DNR (@MarylandDNR) November 1, 2024
