Recreational Fires

Recreational Fire Permits are issued as single-use permits for recreational fires only. It is illegal in Howard County to hold a recreational fire without a permit issued by the Howard County Department Fire and Rescue Services, Office of the Fire Marshal. According to the Howard County Fire Prevention Code, a recreational fire is the burning of seasoned firewood for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or other similar purposes. It is illegal to burn refuse, brush, leaves, debris, or other materials in Howard County.

PLEASE ALLOW SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS FOR PERMIT PROCESSING.

Application for a Recreational Fire Permit can be made by:

• Complete the on-line application.
• Fax your request for a permit to: (410) 313-6066, Attention: Roberta Kelly
• E-mail your questions to: rkelly@howardcountymd.gov
• Mail your request for a permit to:
  Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue
  ATTN: Roberta Kelly (Recreational Fire Permit)
  6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, 4th floor
  Columbia, MD 21046

Information to be included when requesting a permit:

• Name of person requesting permit
• Telephone number of person requesting permit
• Address where fire will be held
• Date of fire
• Time of fire (three hour limit)
• Owner of the property (If person requesting the permit is not the property owner, written permission from the owner must accompany the request.)
• Name of responsible person who will be in charge of the fire
• How would you like the permit returned: E-mail - provide e-mail address, Fax - provide fax number, Mail - provide complete mailing address.

Regulations for Recreational Fires:

• The following regulations governing the use of recreational fires shall apply (Sub Section 10.11.2.3 fire prevention code). The signed Recreation Fire Permit must be on site during the fire event.
• A safe area of at least 10 feet will be maintained around the fire.
• The fire must be constantly attended by an adult and people shall not be permitted to play in the fire.
• Maintain at least 2 fire extinquishers at the location.
• Request is received in writing by Code Official.
• The fire shall not be more than 5 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft. in dimension and shall not burn longer than 3 hours.
• Fuel for the fire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper. Trash, rubbish and debris shall not be burned.
• The fire shall not be used for waste disposal purposes.
• Burning will be done with the consent of the appropriate property owner.
• The fire shall be located at the maximum distance from any structures (a minimum distance of 50 feet).
• The fire must be completely extinguished.
• If severe winds are prevalent (greater than 10 MPH), the fire may not be ignited.
• If a state or local public official or fire official declares a ban on open fires because of a drought, dry conditions, or other atmospheric conditions, the fire is not permitted.
• Before lighting the fire, call (410)313-2929 (Communications) and notify the on duty supervisor about the fire. When the fire is completely extinguished, again notify them of same.
• Request for fires other than recreational require a burn permit and should be directed to the Bureau of Environmental Health (410) 313-2640.