Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department
Life Safety Division: Fire Marshal's Office
Open burning for the cooking of food or recreational purposes, such as campfires
(no greater than 3feet wide and 3feet high) are permitted. As described below,
only approved materials can be used (#1 & 5) and safety precautions (#6) shall
be followed.
1. Burning of brush, leaves, grass, trees, and
other naturally occurring material are permitted.
2. The location of the burn shall not be less
than 500 feet from ANY occupied building unless prior approval from the
occupant has been given in writting.
3. Burning within 500 feet of ANY woodland or
brushland is also not permitted.
4. Burning conducted by businesses or for
commercial purposes require a permit issued by the Fire Marshal's Office.
5. Burning of household garbage, rubbish,
rubber tires, asphaltic materials, used oil, construction waste or similar
materials that produce dense smoke are NOT permitted.
6. Open burning, bonfires, or recreational
fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A
minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a
minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such
as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for
immediate utilization. (2006 IFC Sec. 307.5).
7. If smoke or fire produced from the burn
becomes a nuisance to surrounding residents or businesses, and complaints are
received, the party burning will be required to extinguish the fire, regardless
of permit.
8. During the period from May 1 through the 14
of February each year, burning shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 12:00 midnight.
9. During the period from February 15 through
April 30 each year, burning shall be conducted between the hours of 4:00 p.m.
and 12:00 midnight ONLY.
For additional information regarding the County Burn Laws, contact the Fire Marshal's Office at
(540) 665-6350.
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