Snow Hill, MD — Worcester County residents are once again permitted to conduct open burning after officials lifted a countywide ban, effective immediately.
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, working alongside the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs, announced the end of the Open Burning Ban, pointing to improved drought conditions and recent rainfall across Worcester County and the Lower Eastern Shore as the driving factors behind the decision.
Officials said the move came after reviewing ongoing improvements in drought conditions tracked by the U.S. Drought Monitor and after consulting with state and local environmental experts. Recent thunderstorms have helped restore soil moisture and significantly lowered the risk of wildfires across much of the county. While groundwater levels and streamflows are still recovering, authorities determined that the temporary restrictions were no longer needed under current conditions.
Even with the ban lifted, the Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to proceed with caution. Conditions can shift quickly — especially during stretches of hot, dry, or windy weather — and all outdoor burning must comply with Worcester County’s Open Burning Regulations.
Officials outlined several safety steps residents should follow when burning outdoors:
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Avoid burning on windy days or when weather could cause embers to travel.
- Have a water source, hose, or fire extinguisher close by at all times.
- Only burn natural vegetation and materials approved under county regulations.
- Make sure the fire is fully extinguished before walking away.
Residents are also asked to keep in mind that smoke from outdoor fires can drift onto neighboring properties and roadways. Burning responsibly helps limit air pollution and reduces the chance of unnecessary emergency responses.
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office says it will keep a close watch on weather patterns and wildfire activity going forward. If conditions worsen, new restrictions could be put back in place.
Anyone with questions about open burning rules or who wants to confirm whether burning is allowed can reach the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office at 410-632-5666 or visit the office’s website for more details.
