### Maryland Implements Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban Amid High Wildfire Risk

In response to the elevated wildfire danger worsened by dry and windy conditions, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has declared a statewide ban on open-air burning effective November 1. This measure, affecting all Maryland counties, comes as the state experiences persistently dry conditions that have resulted in an unusually high number of wildfires.

Maryland Forest Service crews are actively working to manage smoldering leaves from existing wildfires, particularly in Washington County. With the fire risk not expected to diminish soon, the ban will stay in place until sufficient precipitation reduces the wildfire threat across the state.

The authority to enforce such a ban is granted by a state law enacted in 2007, which allows the Department of Natural Resources Secretary to implement the restriction based on recommendations from the Maryland Forest Service. The current burn ban includes prohibitions on campfires and charcoal grilling, although the use of propane grills remains allowed. The law defines open-air burning as any fire where materials are burned in the open or in containers not connected to a furnace, incinerator, or chimney.

Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, Josh Kurtz, emphasized the seriousness of the ban, acknowledging that it may require residents and visitors to alter their plans. "This ban is necessary to protect lives, property, and the state's natural resources. We will continually assess the wildfire risk and adjust the restrictions as soon as it is safe," Kurtz stated.

Local restrictions are already in place in seven counties—Dorchester, Garrett, Frederick, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. Additionally, outdoor fire advisories were issued earlier this week in Cecil and Washington counties. Neighboring regions, including the entire State of Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania, have also imposed similar restrictions.

Recently, the National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for several Maryland counties, further highlighting the critical fire danger due to the current dry and windy weather. These warnings were active until Friday evening for Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Cecil, and Allegany counties.

Enforcement of the ban will involve authorized agents of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and state police. Violating the open-air burning restriction can result in a $125 fine for a first offense. State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang stressed the importance of public cooperation, stating, "The primary goal of the ban is to convey the severe risk and the need for responsible actions to protect lives and the environment."

Since 1988, Maryland has enacted a similar comprehensive burn ban four times, with durations ranging from one to eight weeks. The most recent of these, in 2006, lasted from March 31 to April 24. The current ban will be lifted as soon as conditions are deemed safe.

As of October 31, drought conditions are widespread across Maryland, increasing the urgency and necessity of the burn ban.