SOUTHERN MARYLAND — The Maryland Department of the Environment’s annual open burning prohibition is in effect through Aug. 31, the Charles County Department of Health reminded residents and businesses this week.
Under COMAR 26.11.07.03, open burning is prohibited each year from June 1 through Aug. 31 in Charles and Calvert counties, along with Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City. No permits may be issued during this period.
St. Mary’s County falls under a separate provision — residents there may apply for an open burning permit through their local control officer year-round.
What Is Prohibited
Open burning — defined as any fire where material is burned outdoors or in a receptacle not connected to a chimney or stack — is not permitted through Aug. 31. Examples include:
- Burn barrels
- Brush and tree limb piles
- Yard waste and leaf fires
- Debris burns from land clearing or construction
- Trash fires on residential or commercial property
What Is Permitted
The prohibition does not apply to:
- Gas or charcoal grills used for cooking
- Small campfires for cooking or recreation — such as a backyard fire pit or campsite fire
- Propane and gas cooking appliances
- Agricultural operations — which may qualify for exceptions under state regulations
For the full regulation, visit COMAR 26.11.07.03 or regs.maryland.gov.
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