The statewide ban on open air burning that was implemented on Friday, March 31, remains in effect in all Maryland counties except Garrett County. Despite the rain and snow that the state received recently, the region is still far below average for the past 30 days. During the past week (March 30 - April 5), there have been 57 fires which have burned 48 acres. The extremely dry conditions, high winds and low relative humidity that persist across the state led to nearly triple the average number of wildfires statewide in March. There were 387 fires burning 700 acres for the month, which broke a 25-year record. The Maryland Forest Service continues to assess the wildfire threat daily.
More information on the ban is available at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/infocus/fire_danger.asp.