Open burning releases many pollutants into the air that we breathe. These chemicals can affect local and regional air quality and can contribute to the formation of ground level ozone (smog). Bad air quality can lead to or aggravate breathing disorders such as asthma or emphysema.

Additionally, open burning may result in property damage in the immediate vicinity of the burn as a result of uncontrolled fires.

Prohibited open burning includes:

• Burning of household refuse
• Burning of construction debris, asphalt shingles or tar paper
• Burning of tires, oil, any type of plastics, or wire insulators
• Burning of stumps
• Burning of logs with a diameter in excess of 6 inches
• Burning of paper, pallets, cardboard, or pressure-treated wood.

Open burning may be allowed, by permit, for:

• Burning of brush, twigs, yard clippings
• Burning of wood and wood products
• Bonfires and fires used in ceremonies and religious rites.

If you are issued a permit by the Frederick County Health Department, the Health Department reserves the right to inspect the open burn. Additionally, any permit may be revoked if a complaint is received about the manner in which an individual burns or if it is found that an individual is not burning material allowed by law.

Fires that do not require a permit are domestic cooking fires and campfires. If you live within the limits of a town, contact that governing entity first to apply for an open burn permit. You may also contact the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-1717.

Maryland’s open burning ban is effective annually between June 1 and September 1 in Frederick County. The Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources may institute a burning ban during the year if areas are experiencing extreme drought conditions.

Some alternatives to burning include:

• Shred and compost your leaves and yard waste.
• Use available refuse collection services.
• Use the services of a licensed refuse hauler.
• Haul your refuse to the County landfill
• Haul your leaves and yard waste to the compost area in Walkersville