§ 5–720
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. § 5-720 (2026)
Title 5. Forests and Parks
Subtitle 7. Fire Hazards; Prevention and Abatement
§ 5–720LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Burning ban” means a complete ban on all open air burning that is declared by the Secretary or the Governor as a result of prolonged or unusual conditions conducive to the easy starting and spread of fire.
(3)
“Open air burning” means 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.
(4)
“Public officer” means:
(i)
The authorized agents of the Department; or
(ii)
Any police officer who is authorized to enforce the laws of the State or of a political subdivision of the State.
(b)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not start or allow open air burning in an area in which a burning ban imposed by the Secretary or the Governor is in effect.
(2)
This subsection does not apply to:
(i)
The supervised burning of buildings or solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors at a training center operated by a fire department; or
(ii)
Any other supervised burning conducted under the direct control and supervision of:
(1)
Qualified fire instructors; or
(2)
In Wicomico County, Worcester County, or Somerset County, a fire chief, captain, or fire line officer of a fire department that has jurisdiction over the area where the supervised burning occurs.
(c)
On reasonable suspicion of open air burning on privately owned property in an area in which a burning ban is in effect, a public officer may enter on the privately owned property of any person to extinguish the fire or to enforce the provisions of this section.