Maryland Forest Service crews work to suppress smoldering leaves from a wildfire in Washington County. Photo by Aaron Cook, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Dry, windy conditions have increased fire risk across the state and fueled ongoing wildfires
Annapolis, MD - UPDATE: The statewide burning ban implemented by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Nov. 1, remains in effect. While most of the state experienced varying amounts of rain earlier this week, fuel and drought conditions continue to be well above normal seasonal highs. These conditions coupled with low humidity and gusty winds expected in the next several days will once again raise fire danger across the state. Conditions that will be necessary before the ban can be lifted include a return to normal seasonal patterns with cooler temperatures and frequent showers.
The Maryland Forest Service continues to monitor fuel conditions across the state while actively working on fires in each region. Since Oct. 1, Maryland Department of Natural Resources units and partner agencies have responded to 50 wildland fires in the state that burned an estimated 117.8 acres of land. As of Nov. 12, five of those fires are contained and actively staffed, 15 are contained and monitored by patrol, and 30 are out.
Other states in the region are also experiencing dry conditions that have heightened wildfire risk. An active fire near the New York-New Jersey border has consumed about 3,500 acres and firefighters were working to contain it as of Tuesday afternoon.
