Outdoor burning rules in Harford 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.
Maryland Department of the Environment regulates open burning under COMAR 26.11.07. Open burning is prohibited statewide between 10 a.m. and certain evening hours during active fire weather, with permits required for most agricultural, land-clearing, and brush burning activities.
Under the Maryland Code Environment Article and COMAR 26.11.07, open burning of refuse, leaves, brush, and similar materials is generally prohibited unless specifically authorized. Recreational campfires and small cooking fires are exempt when contained and attended. Agricultural burning and forest management burns require permits from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. The statewide spring burn ban runs March 1 through May 15 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the fall burn ban operates similar restrictions. Local governments may impose stricter rules but cannot relax state air quality requirements. Burn bans during dry conditions are enforced by the State Fire Marshal and DNR.
Violations carry fines up to $1,000 per day under MDE air quality rules, plus potential liability for fire damage and DNR Forest Service penalties up to $1,000.
See how Harford County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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