Worcester County authorities have enacted an emergency fire restriction starting immediately as drought conditions and dropping water levels create dangerous fire hazards throughout the region.
Fire Marshal Owens announced the decision, stating: “Due to the County’s current dry conditions, low precipitation totals, and declining water table levels, the burn ban is effective immediately. This ban should reduce the number of out-of-control outside fires, which cause safety concerns for area residents, visitors, and especially responding fire personnel.”
The restriction prohibits most outdoor fires and ignition sources, though several activities remain permitted including:
- Gas and charcoal grilling when used appropriately
- Fires at commercial campgrounds within the county
- Campfires at state and federal camping facilities
- Authorized Ocean City bonfire events
- Small recreational fires on private property (maximum 2-foot area, 3-foot height)
- Public fireworks shows
- Fire department training activities
County officials will maintain the restriction until weather conditions improve and safe burning can resume.
Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell explained the scope of the ban: “All existing outdoor burn permits have been rescinded. Conditions remain dry, rainfall has been below normal, and County monitoring indicates that water table levels remain low. These conditions increase the potential for rapid fire spread and support the need for this temporary ban.”
Officials are asking residents and visitors to exercise extreme care with any outdoor fire sources and stay informed about updates to the restriction.
Questions about the fire ban can be directed to the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-632-5666.
