Worcester County enacts outdoor burn ban

SNOW HILL, Md. – Worcester County’s Fire Marshal has announced a burn ban that started April 24, 2023. All outdoor burning will be banned for an indefinite period of time in Worcester County.

“Due to the county’s current dry conditions, the burn ban is effective starting April 24,” Fire Marshal Matthew Owens said. “This ban should reduce the number of out-of-control, outside fires, which cause safety concerns for area residents, visitors, and especially responding fire personnel.”

The ban applies to all outdoor ignition sources, with the following exceptions:

Proper use of gas and charcoal grills
Campfires at the county’s commercial properties
State and federal campgrounds
Permitted official Ocean City bonfires
Private property recreational campfires, which are limited to a fire area of two feet, with a height of three feet
Public fireworks displays
Volunteer fire company training exercises
The ban will remain in effect until the dry conditions dissipate.

In addition, all existing outdoor burn permits have been rescinded.

“Our water tables are extremely low, and this is confirmed by county and USGS monitoring well networks,” Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said. “We have extremely low precipitation totals, and the U.S. Drought Monitor has the county under a moderate drought category.”

For further information, contact Fire Marshal Owens at 410-632-5666.