Burn ban issued for Wicomico Co.

WICOMICO CO., Md. – County Executive Bob Culver has issued a burn ban for Wicomico County due to recent drought conditions.

This burn ban means that all outdoor burning is prohibited, with the following exceptions:

• Gas and charcoal grill for their proper use
• Campfires at Roaring Point and Sandy Hill campground, which must be monitored at all times. All such campfires should be confined to designated fire rings, grills, fire puts, fireplaces, or other facilities constructed for fires. Before breaking camp, fires should be drowned and completely extinguished.
• Recreational campfires on private property and public campgrounds are permitted. The campfires are limited to a size of two feet in width and three feet in height.
• The staging of professional fireworks displays

Dorchester and Somerset Counties also recently issued burn bans as a result of the dry conditions.

Citizens are urged to completely extinguish all fires and never leave them unsupervised. It is also recommended to keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby while using grills or enjoying recreational fires.

Culver also noted that all burning permits are voided for the duration of the ban and that the Health Department will not be issuing burning permits until further notice.

Burn ban violations carry a $500 fine per incident. Citizens may call 410-548-4860 to report violations during regular business hours, or the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 outside of normal business hours.