Montgomery County, MD Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Montgomery County adopts the Maryland Fire Prevention Code which severely restricts outdoor burning, particularly in the suburban and urban development areas where most residents live. Open burning of yard waste including leaves, branches, and grass clippings is prohibited in the suburban development district. Residents must use the county yard trim collection program or composting instead. The agricultural reserve covering approximately one-third of the county in its northern and western portions allows limited agricultural burning with permits from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Permit applications require specifying the burn date, materials, acreage, and fire suppression equipment on site. Burning of household trash, construction debris, rubber, plastics, or treated wood is always prohibited throughout the county. MCFRS responds to reports of illegal burning. The county participates in Maryland Air Quality Action Days when all outdoor burning may be further restricted. Charcoal and gas grills for cooking are permitted under separate regulations (see backyard fires). The density of Montgomery County suburbs makes open burning particularly hazardous due to proximity of structures and the prevalence of wooded lots.