Burn ban issued for Wicomico Co.

WICOMICO CO., Md. – A burn ban has been issued for Wicomico County due to drought conditions.

County Executive Julie Giordano announced the ban, effective at 12 p.m. Thursday, June 20th.

The executive has the authority to issue a ban for seven days. Giordano says she expects the dry conditions to extend into the foreseeable future and will recommend an extension of the ban until weather conditions warrant a re-assessment.

All outdoor burning is prohibited, except for the following conditions:

• Gas and charcoal grill for their proper use
• Campfires at Roaring Point and Sandy Hill campgrounds, which must be monitored at all times. Campfires should be confined to designated fire rings, grills, fire pits, 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. Campgrounds are limited to a size of two feet in width and three feet in height.
• The staging of professional fireworks displays

Additionally, all burning permits are voided for the duration of the ban, and the Health Department will not issue burning permits until further notice.

Burn ban violations carry a $500 fine per incident.