MARYLAND OPEN AIR BURNING AND
BURN BAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
STATEWIDE (May 23, 2016) – Marylanders are reminded of safety
and jurisdictional requirements when burning outdoors. 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. It also includes other fires such as
campfires.
Alternatives
to open air burning include: composting, disposal at a local landfill where the
yard debris can be turned into mulch or periodic curb-side pick-up by your
regular trash collector (where available).
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, please 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
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 states, “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.”
The MDE open burning ban is in effect annually between June 1
and September 1. This burn ban involves the following counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery,
Prince George’s and Baltimore City. The ban does not affect backyard barbeque
grilling or open fires for recreational purposes, such as campfires. For more information on the burn ban contact
Maryland Department of the Environment Office of Air Quality at (410) 537-3231
or go online at:
http://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/researchcenter/
Open
Air Burning regulations are enforced by the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources. Violations carry fines up to
$1000 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!
The
Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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