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According to officials, "extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future."
It was enacted on Friday, Nov. 1.
The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide, they added.
"Open-air burning includes such as campfires as well as charcoal grilling are not permitted under the burn ban, but state law does permit the use of propane grills."
The law defines open-air burning as a fire where any material is burned in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney, according to the department.
Seven Maryland counties – Dorchester, Garrett, Frederick, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester – already have local restrictions in place, and state officials are working with local jurisdictions to monitor conditions and enforcement.
Cecil and Washington counties previously advised residents to avoid having outdoor fires earlier this week
On Friday, the National Weather Service put in place Red Flag Warnings–indicating a high risk of wildfires due to dry, windy weather conditions–in Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Cecil, and Allegany counties until Friday evening.
“We do not make these determinations lightly and understand this may require some people to adjust their plans,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz stated.
“However, a ban of this magnitude is necessary to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors, as well as the state’s natural resources. Given the significant risk, this is the only option available to us that will allow for statewide monitoring and enforcement to prevent wildfires due to the dangerous conditions.
"We will be monitoring the wildfire risk daily to determine when it is safe to lift these restrictions.”
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