Outdoor burning rules in Howard 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.
Howard County prohibits non-permitted open fires except recreational, heating and cooking fires. Burning leaves, brush, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is not permitted. Land-clearing and agricultural burns need a permit and are only allowed October 1 through May 31.
Per the Howard County Fire Prevention Code (Title 17, Section 104) and County Code Title 12, Section 108, open fires are banned unless they qualify as recreational, heating or cooking fires. The county is explicit that burning of leaves, brush, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials is not permitted. Agricultural operations and land-clearing may be permitted, but only with an approved burn permit and only during the October 1 to May 31 open-burning season; contact the Bureau of Environmental Health (410-313-1773). No fire may be lit if winds exceed 10 MPH or when officials declare a fire ban due to drought or dry conditions.
Illegal open burning may result in citations and/or fines. Burns must be attended by a competent adult and extinguished during high winds or declared fire bans.
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