Wicomico County, MD - Due to drought conditions, County Executive Julie Giordano has issued a burn ban order for Wicomico County effective October 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Giordano took the action on the 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, fire fighters, county code enforcement and National Weather Service meteorologists.

The executive has the authority to issue a seven-day ban. 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 re-assessment by the Bum Ban Committee.

All outdoor burning is prohibited with the following exemptions:

1) Gas and charcoal grill for their proper use;
2) 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.
3) 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.

Bum ban violations carry a $500 fine per incident. County Planning Zoning administers Burn Ban enforcement. During regular business hours, citizens may call 410-548 4860 to report violations. At other times, citizens may call the Sheriff's Office at 410-548-4891.

Giordano urges all residents to practice caution while engaging in the exempted burning practices, saying, "I suggest that citizens keep a garden hose and fire extinguisher nearby while using their gas or charcoal grills or enjoying a recreational fire. Also, all fires should be completely extinguished and should never be left unsupervised. "