{"id":30251,"date":"2020-03-11T08:30:34","date_gmt":"2020-03-11T12:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=30251"},"modified":"2020-03-11T10:34:43","modified_gmt":"2020-03-11T14:34:43","slug":"wildfire-risk-heightens-as-spring-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2020\/03\/11\/wildfire-risk-heightens-as-spring-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildfire Risk Heightens as Spring Approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maryland on Alert for Dangerous Conditions<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"PhotoSpring <\/span>wildfire season<\/span><\/a> has begun in Maryland, and the <\/span>Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/span><\/a> urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are most conducive for the spread of fire. On days when this threat is most likely, the department will issue a \u201cred flag\u201d status.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWarm days with dry forest fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds often come with spring,\u201d <\/span>Maryland Forest Service<\/span><\/a> State Fire Supervisor Chris Robertson said. \u201cThese are factors that can turn small fires into dangerous incidents that can threaten lives, property, and natural resources.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Each year, the Maryland Forest Service responds to an average of 200 wildfires that burn 2,200 acres of forest, brush, and grasses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The leading cause of wildfires in Maryland is burning of debris or any kind of outdoor burning, which accounts for 29% of fires in the state. Lightning is the only natural source of fire ignition, but accounts for less than 5% of fire starts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Maryland Forest Service recommends alternatives that are safer and more environmentally friendly than outdoor debris burning \u2014 including composting or mulching of yard waste, leaves and brush, and using larger brush or trees for firewood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outdoor burning should only be done on low fire danger days. State regulations apply to activities in woodland and within 200 feet of woodland, or activities adjacent to or within an area where flammable materials are located.<\/span><\/p>\n

Open air burning is only allowed if:<\/span><\/p>\n