Crime & Safety

Outdoor Burning Ban During 'Critical Fire Conditions'

Gusty winds, warm temperatures and low humidity are combining to create potential for rapid growth and the spreading of brush fires.

 

Baltimore County Fire Department officials are alerting residents that weather conditions are prime for brush fires and that open burning is prohibited while those conditions persist.

Gusty winds, warm temperatures and low humidity have combined to produce critical fire weather conditions and much of Maryland is under a Red Flag Warning, issued by the National Weather Service, until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Find out what's happening in Dundalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The warning means that critical fire weather conditions exist now, according to a statement from the county fire department. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity give fires the potential to grow and spread.

The Baltimore County Fire Marshal's Office has canceled permits for open burnings, according to a statement issued Tuesday. County regulations require that such permits be canceled when winds exceed 15 miles per hour or when the fire marshal determines that conditions make it unsafe to burn.

Find out what's happening in Dundalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County officials advise residents to use "extreme caution" when throwing away smoking materials and using outdoor grills and fire pits (which are not included in the ban) or anything else that involves an open flame, according to the statement.

Winds on Tuesday are predicted to come out of the west at 15 to 25 MPH, with gusts of up to 35 MPH, according to the National Weather Service.

Fuel moisture ranges from 3 to 8 percent across the state.

"The combination of gusty winds and dry fuels will promote rapid spread of any uncontrolled fires," the NWS stated in the warning.

An 18-acre brush fire in Joppatowne on Sunday caused the temporary evacuation of 60 homes, according to a WBAL-TV news report.

More than 100 firefighters from across the region battled the blaze that was reported at about 12:48 p.m., according to the television report.  Firefighters had the flames under control by early evening.

WBAL also reported a brush fire that caused damage to the siding of a house in Westminster on Monday.


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