Despite severe fall fire weather, Maryland wildfire damage less extensive in 2024 than previous year

BALTIMORE, MD—Despite a significant increase in wildfire occurrences in Maryland during 2024, the total acreage burned was substantially lower than the previous year, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report released this month. The report analyzes data from 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the agency, including lands managed by the Maryland Forest Service, National Park […]

Maryland lifts statewide ban on open-air burning

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland lifted a statewide ban on open-air burning, effective immediately, following recent precipitation and a forecast of continued normal weather patterns. The ban, which went into effect Nov. 1, was implemented to prevent the spread of wildfires during a period of extremely dry conditions. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, including the Maryland Forest Service, determined that the ban […]

DNR: Drought conditions bring heightened risk of wildfires

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is warning residents and visitors that potential for wildfires has steadily increased in the past several weeks due to a lack of rain and unseasonably high temperatures. While open-air burning is legal in parts of Maryland, DNR is strongly encouraging homeowners to refrain from outdoor burning until the state receives significant steady rainfall […]