BURN BAN NOW IN EFFECT IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Dorchester County, MD - As of March 13, 2025, Dorchester County, Maryland, has implemented a ban on all open-air burning activities, effective from 8:00 AM. County officials have communicated this decision to protect the environment, ensure public safety, and reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.

However, the ban does not cover all forms of open-air burning. Several exceptions have been established, each supervised and controlled to meet safety standards.

These exceptions, which benefit the community, are as follows:

1. The use of gas grills, charcoal grills, and fire pits is allowed under the ban due to their controlled nature and common use in the community. Nevertheless, it is advisable to monitor these activities closely to prevent any potential fire hazards.
2. Controlled burns conducted under the supervision of qualified instructors at a training center organized by a fire department are also exempt from the ban. This ensures safety for all participants and provides valuable learning experiences for the trainees.
3. Any supervised burning managed by qualified fire instructors, fire chiefs, captains, or fire line officers from the jurisdiction's fire department is excluded from the ban. These individuals possess the necessary qualifications to control and oversee burning activities, ensuring everyone's safety.

The County will post the adopted resolution on their website for public access and transparency. Residents are encouraged to review this resolution to understand the specific details and exceptions related to the burning ban.

This burning ban demonstrates the County's commitment to protecting public health, safety, and environmental well-being. As members of the community, residents are urged to comply with the ban and report any violations to the appropriate authorities.