Washington County Reinstates Burn Ban Effective Immediately

WASHINGTON COUNTY REINSTATES BURN BAN EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Washington County, MD (March 13, 2025) – The Washington County Office of Emergency Management, by order of the Board of County Commissioners, announces that the countywide burn ban is reinstated effective immediately due to increased fire risk and dry conditions.

All outdoor burning is strictly prohibited and will remain in effect for a minimum of one(1) week. This decision is based on the current weather conditions and the heightened risk of outdoor fires.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor open burning, including but not limited to:

• Campfires
• Open fire pits
• Burning of debris and brush
• Agricultural burns
• Any other open flame activity that could pose a fire hazard

Residents are urged to comply with the burn ban to prevent the risk of uncontrolled fires that could threaten lives and property. Violators of the burn ban may be subject to fines and penalties per Md. Code Regs. 08.07.04.02 – Application and Md. Code Regs. 08.07.04.03 – Open Air Burning.

“We are reinstating the burn ban due to the elevated fire danger and an increase in the number of outdoor fires, which have been more frequent and significant,” said Alan Matheny, Director of the Washington County Office of Emergency Management. “We urge all residents to adhere to this ban and take fire safety seriously to protect our community.”

For further information or updates on the burn ban, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].