But state officials urge landowners to refrain from outdoor burning due to drought conditions.
Annapolis, Md (KM) The statewide ban on outdoor burning has been lifted in Maryland. The Department of Natural Resources says with the recent precipitation and the forecast for normal weather conditions for this time of year, the Maryland Forest Service determined that the statewide burn ban was no longer necessary, and it has been lifted.
“Marylanders were very cooperative during the ban, and as a result, the outbreak of new wildfires dropped following its implementation on November 1st,” says Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Chris Robertson, in a statement. “The statewide burn ban has been a critical tool to minimize damage these last few weeks. We appreciate their patience and are glad to be able to rescind the restriction safely.”
But drought conditions still remain, and landowners are urged to refrain from outdoor burning if possible; and to use extreme caution if outdoor burning is necessary.
While the burn ban was in effect, Maryland Forest Service fire fighters and partner agencies responded to 33 fires that burned approximately 48 acres, which is close to double the ten-year average of 13.6 fires for 27 acres during the month of November, DNR says.
Prior to the burn ban in October, the Maryland Forest Service says its fire fighters responded to 50 wildland fires in the state that burned an estimated 117.8 acres. Local fire companies responded to many more fire throughout Maryland. DNR says the public’s cooperation during the burn ban helped these joint fire suppression efforts keep wildland fires small, averaging 2.1 acres, during the fall.
The burn ban was put in place on November 1st due to extremely dry conditions that led to an above average number of wildfires in Maryland.
By Kevin McManus