Prince George's County, MD Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Prince George's County, MD, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Summer ban
- June 1 - August 31
- Distance rule
- 500 yards from buildings
- Material
- Must originate on premises
- Governing rule
- COMAR 26.11.07
Summary
Open burning of leaves, brush, and trash is tightly controlled in Prince George's County. Maryland's air rules ban open burning county-wide from June 1 through August 31 and require a permit, with recreational fires the main exception.
The control officer is satisfied that there is no practical alternate method to dispose of the material to be burned…; A hazardous condition or air pollution or nuisance will not be created;… and The material to be burned shall have originated on the premises on which it is to be burned.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Prince George's County is governed by Maryland Department of the Environment air regulations, COMAR 26.11.07, plus County Code Subtitle 11. A local control officer may authorize an open fire only when there is no practical alternative, no hazard or air-pollution nuisance is created, dense-smoke materials like tires and roofing are not burned, and the material originated on the premises. Burning may not occur within 500 yards of occupied buildings or heavily traveled roadways. Open burning is prohibited entirely from June 1 through August 31 each year in Prince George's County, and no permits are issued during that window. Recreational campfires are exempt from the summer ban. Burning household trash and construction debris is generally prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Burning without authorization or during the June-August ban violates state air regulations and County fire law; penalties include MDE enforcement and County fines up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my yard?
Does the summer ban stop campfires too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
How Prince George's County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.