Burn Ban Issued in Wicomico Amid Dry Conditions
Image Courtesy of Office of the Wicomico County Executive
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – The Office of the Wicomico County Executive has declared a ban of outdoor burning amid dry weather conditions, effective as of 4:00 p.m. on Apr. 20.
County Executive Julie Giordano elected for the ban following advice of the Burn Ban Committee. The group is composed of representatives of the County Health Department, the Forestry Service, County Department of Emergency Services, firefighters, county code enforcement and National Weather Service meteorologists.
The executive has the authority to issue a ban for 7 days. However, Giordano said that she expects the dry conditions to continue into the foreseeable future and will recommend to the county council that they extend the ban until weather conditions warrant a reassessment by the Burn Ban Committee.
All outdoor burning is prohibited with the following exemptions:
- Gas and charcoal grill for their proper use;
- Campfires at Roaring Point and Sandy Hill campgrounds which must be monitored at all times. All such campfires shall 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. The campfires are limited to a size of 2 feet in width and 3 feet in height; 4) The staging of professional fireworks displays.
Burn ban violations carry a $500 fine per incident. Citizens may call 410-548 4860 to report violations during regular business hours, or call the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 after hours.
