Burn ban goes into immediate effect in Worcester County

The following is a July 6 release from Worcester County:

(July 6, 2020): Effective immediately, Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon issued a burn ban, and ALL outdoor burning is banned for an indefinite period of time in Worcester County.

The ban applies to all outdoor ignition sources, with the following exceptions: proper use of gas and charcoal grills, campfires at the County’s commercial, State, and Federal campgrounds, permitted official Ocean City bonfires, private property recreational campfires that are limited to a fire area of two feet with a height of three feet, public fireworks displays, and volunteer fire company training exercises.

“Due to the County’s current dry conditions and the forecasted extreme heat, the burn ban is effective immediately,” Fire Marshal McMahon said. “This ban should reduce the number of out-of-control outside fires, which cause safety concerns for area residents, visitors, and especially responding personnel.” 

“The ban will remain in effect until the dry conditions dissipate,” Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said. “In addition, all existing outdoor burn permits have been rescinded.”

For further information, contact Fire Marshal McMahon at 410-632-5666.