Maryland's Open Burning Ban Starts June 1

A sign that summer is nearly here: the open burning ban for much of Maryland goes into effect Wednesday, June 1, and runs through Sept. 1.

The burn ban includes these counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Baltimore City.

The ban does not affect backyard barbecue grilling or open fires for recreational purposes, such as campfires, according to the state fire marshal's office.

Open air burning is defined as a fire where any material is burned in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney.

Tips for open air burning:

• Don’t burn on windy days.
• Have hand tools and a ready water supply on site.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Clear the area around the site for a minimum of ten feet.
• Burn at a safe distance (25' or more) from your home, shed or other structures.
• Never use gasoline. Gasoline fumes can ignite and cause serious injury and possible death.
• Check your local and state regulations before burning.

Hazardous items are never allowed to be burned. Proper disposal of hazardous items such as tires, plastics, aerosol cans, oil, etc., can be disposed of through means provided by your local government.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal, Brian S. Geraci says, “Marylanders need to use caution when burning outdoors. The expense associated with extinguishment of out of control fires can be easily controlled by being attentive and following established guidelines provided by local authorities.”

If you must burn, take the time to ensure that all safety and regulatory precautions have been taken. Permits may be required for all open air burning except for small recreational fires such as campfires. The permit from the Department of Natural resources is in addition to and does not substitute for a permit from the local health department. For permit information, call your local health department, fire department or contact the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service Office at (410) 260-8531 or go online at: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/wfm.aspx

Open air burning regulations are enforced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 and/or one year in prison. The landowner can be charged with all of the costs associated with extinguishing the fire. Even small campfires can cause wildfires if they are not fully extinguished. Soak the coals with lots of water and make sure they are out cold.

If you are going to hold a recreational fire or cook out on your barbecue make sure you follow a few simple rules.

• Have a safe distance between your recreational fire and your home or nearby woodland.
• When you are done cooking dispose of your coals by completely soaking them with water and then placing them in a metal receptacle away from your home. Several times last year, fire departments were called to house fires started by improperly disposed of barbecue materials.
• When the party is over take the time to completely soak the fire with water to ensure it is out. Also keep a garden hose or a few buckets of water nearby to help if the fire were to escape its contained area.

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