Due to the increased risk for wildfires due to the current extreme atmospheric and drought conditions, Frederick County will be under an open air burn ban effective Tuesday, September 5th until further notice.
No person shall kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning during this time. This prohibition includes all bonfires, ceremonial fires, camping fires, barrel fires, etc. This regulation does not include barbecue grills, smokers, or any device that emits smoke through a chimney or stack.
This action is being instituted in accordance with Chapter 45 Article II section 45-10 E of the Frederick County code on the recommendation of Frederick County Fire Rescue System Fire Marshal and Fire Chief by the County Administrator.
The Frederick County Fire and Rescue System - Office of the Fire Marshal will continue to monitor these adverse conditions daily and make recommendations to the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors on when to lift or amend the burn ban.
Violations and Penalty – Violations of the open burning regulations may result in being charged with and convicted of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of a fine up to $2,500.00 and up to a year in jail. Further, if convicted, the responsible party may be held liable for all damages and the costs of firefighting operations.
Safety tips during this dry period to reduce the chances of fire include:
•Do not discard cigarettes by throwing them down, use ashtrays or water to make sure they are out before disposing. Discarded cigarettes do cause fires and can be disastrous in times of drought and high fire risk.
•When pulling off the side of the road, stay off dry grass areas. Park vehicles so that the exhaust does not contact dry grass, leaves or weeds.
•Do not burn household trash in barrels.
•If you cook outdoors, never leave barbeque grills or smokers unattended. Place your grill or smoker on concrete or your driveway away from combustible materials. If using charcoal or wood, make sure that the fire has been extinguished by soaking it with a garden hose before disposing of the coals.
•Move anything that will burn far away from structures, items like firewood, compost piles, brush piles, etc.
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