Maryland Lifts Statewide Burn Ban

MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has lifted a statewide open-air burning ban after evaluating current weather and ground conditions.

Recent rainfall has temporarily reduced fire risks, though Maryland continues to experience drought conditions. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows the entire state is under at least moderate drought conditions, with Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Cecil Counties facing extreme drought status.

Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Chris Robertson noted that the ban, initially implemented on November 1, successfully minimized wildfire outbreaks due to public cooperation. “Marylanders were very cooperative, and we’re glad to rescind this restriction safely,” Robertson said.

While the statewide ban is lifted, individual county restrictions remain in effect:

• Talbot County’s ban expires on November 24
• Dorchester County maintains an indefinite ban
• Worcester County immediately canceled its ban
• Ocean City still requires permits for open-air burning

Neighboring states continue to have restrictions:

• All of Delaware remains under burn bans
• Accomack County, Virginia lifted its ban on Thursday

Residents are advised to check local county regulations before conducting any open-air burning.