Learn Before You Burn! - Outdoor Debris Burning Requirements in Garrett County

As spring approaches and you are thinking of cleaning up debris in your woods or yard, please keep in mind the outdoor burning regulations to burn both safely and legally. Please note these apply to debris burning and NOT campfires/small recreational fires.

An Air Quality Control Permit is required from the Garrett County Health Department for all outdoor debris burning. These permits allow burning between the hours of 4pm to midnight. They are FREE and can be obtained by calling 301-334-7760.

For daytime burning (7am to 4pm) within 200' of a woodland (or material that could carry fire to a woodland) an Open Air Burn Permit from the Maryland Forest Service is also required. This permit is also FREE and can be obtained by calling the Mt. Nebo Forestry Office at 301-334-3296.The following conditions must be met to engage both safe and legal debris burning:

1. There is a natural or constructed fire break at least 10 feet wide completely around the material to be burned that is free of flammable materials.

2. Adequate personnel and equipment are present to prevent the fire from escaping.

3. At least one responsible person remains at the location of the fire until the last spark is out.

4. When the ground is covered with snow, burning may occur at any time.

For more information, visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/fire/firenotes.aspx