Frederick, MD Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Appendix H of the City Code, adopted January 18, 1973 as the Air Quality Control ordinance, defines an 'open fire' as any fire burning material in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney (Sec. 1). 2 provides. 2(A) lets the control officer, who sits in the city engineer's office and coordinates with the Frederick County Health Department's deputy state health officer, issue a written burn permit on application, but only if there is no practical alternative to burning, no hazardous condition, air pollution, or nuisance results, other fire-control laws are not violated, and no dense-smoke materials such as tires or roofing are burned.

2(B) lets public officers set or authorize an open fire in the course of official duty, with the control officer's concurrence, for fire-hazard abatement, firefighter training, or protecting public health when no other disposal method exists. 2(C)(1)-(2) still cannot occur closer than 200 feet from any neighboring habitable dwelling or workplace, effective July 1, 1973, and the smoke produced may not exceed a No. 2 rating on the Ringelmann Smoke Chart. 1.