Ridge VFD would like to remind 1st district citizens of safety and jurisdictional requirements when burning outdoors. Open air burning is defined as 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. It also includes other fires such as campfires.

Alternatives to open air burning include: composting, disposal at a local landfill where the yard debris can be turned into mulch or periodic curb-side pick-up by your regular trash collector (where available).

If you must burn, take the time to ensure that all safety and regulatory precautions have been taken.

Tips for open air burning:

* Don’t burn on windy or very dry days.
* Have hand tools and a ready water supply on site.
* Never leave the fire unattended.
* Clear the area around the site for a minimum of ten feet.
* Wet down the area around the fire before and after the burn.
* Burn at a safe distance from your home, shed or other structures.
* At least one responsible person remains at the location of the fire until the last spark is out.
* Burning occurs between the hours of 4 p.m. and 12 midnight, except when the ground is covered with snow the burning may occur at any time so long as all other requirements are met.

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