Somerset Burning Ban-

 Somerset County

(WBOC)

SOMERSET CO., MD - Somerset County Commissioners have announced a moratorium on all outdoor burning as drought conditions persist on Delmarva.

According to the commissioners, the burn ban is in effect until further notice and applies to campfires, bonfires, fireworks, foliage burning, and trash burning. 

Somerset County, along with nearly all of the Eastern Shore, remains in a moderate drought as of March 11, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The ban does not apply to contained barbecue or charcoal grills.

Reminder to Virginia residents-

 (Shore Daily News)

Virginia’s 4 PM Burning Law is in effect from February 15 through April 30 each year.

The 4 PM Burning Law bans open-air burning prior to 4:00 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burning is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times.

It is critical that burners take precautions before using fire, as there may be legal and financial implications. Even if a person takes all proper precautions and obtains any locally required permits, whoever started the fire is responsible for suppressions costs should the fire escape. Violation of the 4 PM Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.

(Pocomoke Public Eye note. See Maryland open air burning regulations:)

Open Air Burning (maryland.gov)