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Howard County, MD Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Mapped wildfire zones
None in Howard County
Wildfire risk
Low (humid central Maryland)
Drought fire ban
Prohibits all open fires
Wind limit
No burning above 10 MPH
State forest fire
DNR, COMAR 08.07.04

Summary

Howard County has no mapped wildfire-hazard or wildland-urban-interface zones. Humid central Maryland is not a wildfire-risk region. The practical fire rule is a temporary open-fire ban: no burning when officials declare one due to drought or dry conditions.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The fire may not be ignited or shall be extinguished... If a state or local public official or fire official declares a ban on open fires because of a drought, dry conditions, other atmospheric conditions, or general fire safety.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike western states, Maryland designates no wildfire severity zones, and Howard County imposes no wildfire-zone building or clearance overlays. Forest and brush fires are managed statewide by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources under its Forest Fire Protection authority (COMAR 08.07.04), which can require permits and restrict burning during high-risk periods. Locally, the enforceable rule is conditional: any open or recreational fire is prohibited when a state or local public or fire official declares a ban because of drought, dry conditions, other atmospheric conditions, or general fire safety, and no fire may be lit when winds exceed 10 MPH. There are no wildfire-specific setbacks or defensible-space mandates for homes.

Violations & Fines

Burning in violation of a declared open-fire ban may result in citations and/or fines from the Office of the Fire Marshal or DNR forest rangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Howard County home in a wildfire zone?
No. Maryland does not map wildfire-hazard or wildland-urban-interface zones, and Howard County has no wildfire overlay or defensible-space requirement for residential property.
Are there ever fire bans in Howard County?
Yes. Officials can declare a temporary open-fire ban during drought or dry conditions, during which all open and recreational fires are prohibited until lifted.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Howard County rules

Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland fire regulations overview

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