Recreational Burning

These requirements are based on Montgomery County Code Chapter 3 and the Code of Maryland Regulations 26.11.07.

What is Open Burning?

Open burning is defined as a fire where any material is burned in the open or a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney. Open burning is prohibited in Montgomery County without a permit and fines of $500 per day may be imposed for open burning.

Exceptions to the prohibition on open fires are fires for cooking of food, on other than commercial premises, and open fires for recreational purposes such as campfires or bonfires.

What can you burn in a recreational fire?

Only dry, aged wood and brush may be burned in a recreational fire. It is prohibited to burn ordinary household waste, construction debris, treated lumber, leaves, and materials which produce dense smoke when burned, including, but not limited to tires and roofing materials.

What conditions must be met for recreational fires?

1. Recreational fires must not be located closer than 300 feet from any neighboring habitable dwelling or place where people work or congregate or 300 feet from a roadway.
2. The pile of material to be burned in a recreational fire must be no greater than 3 feet in diameter and 6 feet height.
3. The ground around the material to be burned must be scraped to prevent fires from spreading.
4. The fire should not be located near tall grass or tree lines.
5. You may not burn if winds are greater than 12 m.p.h. or if there is an air pollution episode.
6. Fire extinguishing equipment, including sufficient water, must be readily available on the site.
7. A fire supervisor, 18 years of age or older, must be within direct view of the fire at all times.
8. Prior to ignition of the fire, you must notify the Department of Fire and Rescue Services at their non-emergency number, 240.683.6520, of your intent to burn.

What should I do if I do not meet the requirements to have a recreational fire?

If you need to dispose of some brush—contact one of the following locations where you can dispose of this material in the County:

• Solid Waste Transfer Station, Rockville: 301-840-2370
• Damascus Depot, Damascus: 301-253-1599
• Poolesville Depot, Poolesville: 301-972-7829

For more information, contact Department of Environmental Protection by Phone at 240.777.7770  or email.

Some facts about open burning and air pollution:

• Smoke from open burning of leaves and brush contains a high concentration of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulates and various organic chemicals which contribute to the ground-level ozone problem.
• Smoke is dangerous for persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or pneumonia, for it can aggravate the symptoms of these diseases.