ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lifted the statewide ban on open air burning in all remaining counties, including DNR public lands, effective 11 AM, Monday, April 24 due to recent rainfall and projected wildfire conditions. The ban was originally implemented on March 31 due to dry conditions across the state.
Citizens should be careful with outdoor fires and continue to follow previously existing open air burning regulations which state that a person may not engage in open air burning except under the following conditions:
* There is a natural or constructed fire break that is free of flammable material of at least 10 feet wide completely around the material to be burned.
* Adequate personnel and equipment are present to prevent the fire from escaping.
* At least one responsible person remains at the location of the fire until the last spark is out.
* Burning occurs during the hours of 4 pm and 12 midnight E.S.T., except when the ground is covered with snow allowing burning to occur at any time as long as other requirements are met.
The open air burning regulations apply to those activities occurring within 200 feet of woodland, or those activities adjacent to flammable materials that could ignite and carry fire to woodland.
To obtain a Maryland DNR Forest Service burning permit contact your local Forest Service Office. In addition, local jurisdictions may have additional limitations and permit requirements. Contact your county government offices for more information.
More information on the statewide open-air burning ban can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/infocus/fire_danger.asp.