Caroline County weighs an open-air burning ordinance and a new local burn-ban authority

Caroline County commissioners opened and closed a public hearing on legislative bill 2026-005, a proposed Chapter 124 of local law that would prohibit open-air burning of garbage and give the board authority to declare a local burn ban during drought conditions on the recommendation of the county director of emergency services.

Stuart Barrell read the published notice that describes three articles in the proposed chapter: a prohibition on burning garbage or rubbish; a mechanism authorizing county burn bans in drought conditions with public notice; and a right of entry to extinguish fires started in violation of a ban, with judicial enforcement and civil penalties.

Residents and commissioners focused discussion on ensuring the ordinance allows for controlled, coordinated burns conducted by volunteer fire companies or for removal of demolished structures. Commissioner comments stressed the need to avoid unintended consequences for legitimate activities while retaining the ability to act quickly in severe drought. "The intent here was twofold: ... the ability to institute a burn ban when it gets extremely dry," a commissioner said, describing drought-response goals.

Harry Martin, a resident who had contacted the county previously, described multiple incidents of large, untended brush fires that prompted emergency response: "... the flames were 6 feet off the ground," he said, and told commissioners he had sought help from the sheriff’s and health departments before turning to the board.

Staff and commissioners clarified operational details: a declared burn ban would expire after 45 days unless the board takes further action to extend it, and controlled burns should be coordinated with fire companies and emergency management to avoid false alarms. The board did not move to third reading; commissioners agreed staff should revise article 1 (burning provisions) and return the ordinance for further consideration and public notice.