{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-720","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Natural Resources § 5–720","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(2) “Burning ban” means a complete ban on all open air burning that is declared by the Secretary or the Governor as a result of prolonged or unusual conditions conducive to the easy starting and spread of fire.\n(3) “Open air burning” means a fire where any material is burned in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney.\n(4) “Public officer” means:\n(i) The authorized agents of the Department; or\n(ii) Any police officer who is authorized to enforce the laws of the State or of a political subdivision of the State.\n(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not start or allow open air burning in an area in which a burning ban imposed by the Secretary or the Governor is in effect.\n(2) This subsection does not apply to:\n(i) The supervised burning of buildings or solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors at a training center operated by a fire department; or\n(ii) Any other supervised burning conducted under the direct control and supervision of:\n1. Qualified fire instructors; or\n2. In Wicomico County, Worcester County, or Somerset County, a fire chief, captain, or fire line officer of a fire department that has jurisdiction over the area where the supervised burning occurs.\n(c) On reasonable suspicion of open air burning on privately owned property in an area in which a burning ban is in effect, a public officer may enter on the privately owned property of any person to extinguish the fire or to enforce the provisions of this section.","path":["Article - Natural Resources"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr\u0026section=5-720","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T20:00:08Z","sha256":"e993ff0b98d997e47c57208f50620d22f357217c3745706768eca9aebbc84c4c","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-714","next":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-5-801"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}