{"id":38472,"date":"2023-04-03T11:43:35","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T15:43:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=38472"},"modified":"2023-04-03T11:43:35","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T15:43:35","slug":"spring-brings-greater-risk-of-wildfire-in-maryland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2023\/04\/03\/spring-brings-greater-risk-of-wildfire-in-maryland\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Brings Greater Risk of Wildfire in Maryland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Department of Natural Resources Stresses Preparedness, Prevention<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Photo

Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Spring <\/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 and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions \u2014 warm, dry, and windy \u2014 are most conducive for the spread of fire. The department works closely with the National Weather Service to notify citizens on days when this threat is most likely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each year, the Maryland Forest Service responds to an average of 122 wildland fires that burn 1,050 acres of forest, brush, and grasses. The Department of Natural Resources also helps equip and train Maryland\u2019s local volunteer fire companies to combat wildland fires through its <\/span>Volunteer Fire Assistance Program<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The leading unintentional cause of wildfires in Maryland is burning of debris or any kind of outdoor burning, which on a ten-year average accounts for 34% of the fires to which the Maryland Forest Service responds. The second-leading cause is arson, followed by several other man-made causes such as heat or sparks from equipment use. Lightning is the only natural source of fire ignition, but accounts for only 3% 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 or 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