Page 1 - Open Burning

COMAR 08.07.04 (3) At least one responsible person remains at
Forest Fire Protection
Authority: Natural Resources Article
§§5-209 and 5-604, Annotated Code of Maryland
Definition
For the purpose of this regulation, Open Air
Burning is defined as a fire where any
material is burned in the open, except small
recreational fires such as campfires.
Application
This regulation applies to activities in
woodland and within 200 feet of woodland,
or activities adjacent to or within an area
where flammable materials, that could ignite
and carry fire to woodland, are located.
These regulations do not apply inside the
limits of incorporated towns.
Open Air Burning
A. A person may not engage in open air
burning except under the following
conditions:
(1) There is a natural or constructed fire break at
least 10 feet wide completely around the
material to be burned that is free of flammable
materials;
(2) Adequate personnel and equipment are
present to prevent the fire from escaping;
10 FIREWISE Tips for Homeowners
the location of the fire until the last spark is out;
and
(4) Burning occurs between the hours of 4 p.m.
and 12 midnight, except that when the ground is
covered with snow the burning may occur at any
time so long as all other requirements are met.
B. A person may engage in open air
burning, or prescribed burning, which does
not comply with §A of this regulation, if the
person has submitted a plan for that burning
to the Department of Natural Resources for
review and the Department has issued a
permit for that burning. The Director, in his
discretion, may require conditions in the
permit which are more stringent or less
stringent than the requirements in §A of this
regulation.
C. In addition to the conditions and
requirements in A and B of this regulation, a
person engaged in open air burning or
prescribed burning shall comply with all
other requirements of State and local
authorities having jurisdiction.
Burning Ban
Under prolonged or unusual conditions
conducive to easy starting and spread of
wildfire, the Director may declare a
complete ban on all open air burning in
woodland or in areas of flammable material
likely to carry fire to woodland, through the
state or in any specific area.
1. Address – Make sure your address is
visible from the road, even at night.
2. Yard – Maintain a green lawn at least
30 feet around your house and buildings.
3. Maintenance – Keep roof, gutters and
yard free of leaves and other debris.
4. Access – Clear driveway at least 12 feet
wide and 14 feet high for emergency
vehicles to reach your home.
5. Decks – Remove leaves and other
flammable debris from under and
around decks.
6. Landscaping – Use Firewise plants and
mulch. Avoid ornamental grasses and
evergreens within 30 feet of the home.
Place landscape plants far enough apart
to minimize fire spread.
7. Foundation – Clear flammable
materials away from the house. Keep
landscape plants at least four feet from
the house.
8. Outbuildings – Also complete Firewise
improvements for outbuildings and
fences.
9. House – Choose fire-resistant materials
such as masonry, aluminum, fiber
cement board and asphalt shingles for
renovations or repairs.
10. Firewood – Keep the firewood pile at
least 30 feet from all buildings.