Clarification on Garrett County Burn Ban

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE OF RELEASE:      October 25, 2024

 SUBJECT: Clarification on Garrett County Burn Ban

CONTACT PERSON:     Craig P. Umbel, L.E.H.S. | TELEPHONE:   301-334-7760

Over the past few months, Garrett County and the surrounding areas have received minimal precipitation. This has caused extreme drought conditions in the entire county. To reduce the risk of wildfires, the Garrett County Health Department, in coordination with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and Garrett County Emergency Management, is instituting a ban on outdoor burning effective immediately. This burn ban extends to all regulated burning.

Campfires are not classified as regulated burning, but caution should be taken to lower overall fire risk. The public is encouraged to minimize potential factors for fire risk until environmental conditions improve.

Tips to reduce risk include:

• Do not leave campfires unattended.
• Utilize a fire ring or other containment device.
• Extinguish the fire when you are finished.

The ban will remain in effect until the county receives an adequate amount of precipitation or a ground cover of snow.  Questions can be directed to Environmental Health of the Garrett County Health Department by calling 301-334-7760 or by emailing [email protected].