SALISBURY, Md.- A burn ban issued for Wicomico County has been extended until Tuesday, Oct. 15.
County Executive Bob Culver first issued the burn ban Oct. 3 with an expiration date set for Oct. 10. However, on Thursday Culver's office announced he has determined on the advice of the Burn Ban Committee that extending the ban is necessary.
The Burn Ban Committee is composed of representatives of the county's Health and emergency services Departments, the Forestry Service, firefighters, county code enforcement and National Weather Service meteorologists.
Culver said that he expects the dry conditions to continue into the foreseeable future and will recommend to the county council that it extend the ban indefinitely until weather conditions warrant a re-assessment by the Burn Ban Committee.
All outdoor burning is prohibited with the following exemptions:
- Gas and charcoal grill for their proper use
- Campfires at Roaring Point and Sandy Hill campgrounds which must be monitored at all times. All such campfires shall be confined to designated fire rings, grills, fire pits, fireplaces or other facilities constructed for fires. Before breaking camp, fires should be drowned and completely extinguished.
- Recreational campfires on private property and public campgrounds are permitted. The campfires are limited to a size of 2 feet in width and 3 feet in height.
- The staging of professional fireworks displays.
Burn ban violations carry a $500 fine per incident, according to the county.
People may call 410-548-4860 to report violations during regular business hours. At other times, people may call the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891.
Culver urges all residents to practice caution while engaging in the exempted burning practices.
“I suggest that citizens keep a garden hose and fire extinguisher nearby while using their gas or charcoal grills or enjoying a recreational fire," said Culver. "Also, all fires should be completely extinguished and should never be left unsupervised.”
Culver added that all burning permits are voided for the duration of the burn ban and that the health department will not be issuing burning permits until further notice.