As of June 14, 2016, you are no longer required to apply online for a recreational burning permit. However, you MUST read and follow ALL the guidelines pertaining to open fires (listed below). This may avoid any violations and fines.
For Recreation & Parks Facilities Usage ONLY
Persons who are requesting to use Recreation & Parks facilities, please call 410-313-4682. You will need a permit from them, for which there is a fee.
Open Fires Information
Open fires are regulated by the laws set forth by Title 17, Section 104 of the Fire Prevention Code and Title 12, Section 108 of the Howard County Code.
Howard County law prohibits non-permitted open fires except recreational, heating, and cooking fires as described below.
The burning of leaves, brush, trash, yard waste, refuse, and building materials is not permitted.
Fires – Over 3’ to 5’ in Diameter
- The fire shall be located at a minimum distance of 50 feet from any structure.
- The fire shall not be more than 5 feet by 5 feet in dimension and shall not burn longer than 3 hours.
- A safe area of at least 10 feet will be maintained around the fire.
- Burning will be done with the consent of the appropriate property owner.
- An appropriate means of extinguishment shall be maintained in close proximity to the fire.
- Fuel for the fire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and shall be ignited with a small quantity of paper.
- The fire shall not be used for waste disposal purposes.
- The fire must be constantly attended by a competent adult.
- People shall not be permitted to play in the fire.
- The fire may not be ignited and shall be extinguished if:
- If severe winds are prevalent (greater than 10 MPH).
- If a state or local public official or fire official declares a ban on open fires because of a drought, dry conditions, other atmospheric conditions, or general fire safety.
- Before lighting the fire, call 410-313-2929 (Communications) and notify the on duty supervisor about the fire. Upon completion, the fire shall be extinguished and Communications notified.
- Grills over 3 feet used exclusively for cooking are only required to be 15’ from any structure and may burn longer than 3 hours. Communications does not have to be notified.
Fires – Up to 3’ in Diameter
- Grills, hibachis, gas-fired grills, chimineas, luminaries, fire pits, or other similar devices used for coo ing, heating, or other purposes shall not be
- used or kindled on a balcony, under an overhanging portion of a building or structure, or within 15 feet of a building or structure.
- Howard County Fire and Rescue may approve electric grills that do not use an alternative fuel for balcony use.
- Manufactured chimineas, luminaries, fire pits, and similar devices shall be equipped with spark arrestors and the fire area shall not exceed 3 ft. in diameter.
Violations of any of the above may result in a citation(s) and/or fine(s).
For more information concerning recreational, heating, or cooking fires contact the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Office of the Fire Marshal at 410-313-6040.
Open fires such as land clearing and agricultural operations may be permitted. For information contact the Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-313-1773.