Commissioners schedule further hearings on possible open‑air burn ban tied to drought conditions
June 09, 2026 | Caroline County, Maryland
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County staff presented Legislative Bill 2026-005 on June 9, a draft to create Chapter 124 to authorize the board to adopt an open-air burning ban in parts or all of Caroline County during specified drought-related conditions.
Staff described the measure as a more limited draft than previously discussed after removing an original article that would have broadly prohibited outdoor burning. The current version would let commissioners impose a ban when conditions warrant, allow a right of entry to extinguish fires started in violation of a ban, and provide for judicial enforcement and civil penalties.
Staff explained state law requires extended public-notice periods for measures that resemble a fire-prevention code, so the county will advertise the proposal in the Star Democrat on June 13, June 20 and June 27. Given that timeline, staff said the earliest third-reading opportunity with potential enactment is July 21. Commissioners said they agreed to proceed with the notice schedule and emphasized that any ban would be limited to declared drought conditions, not a standing prohibition at all times.
No final enactment occurred on June 9; the board closed the legislative session and will revisit the bill after the required public-notice period.
Staff described the measure as a more limited draft than previously discussed after removing an original article that would have broadly prohibited outdoor burning. The current version would let commissioners impose a ban when conditions warrant, allow a right of entry to extinguish fires started in violation of a ban, and provide for judicial enforcement and civil penalties.
Staff explained state law requires extended public-notice periods for measures that resemble a fire-prevention code, so the county will advertise the proposal in the Star Democrat on June 13, June 20 and June 27. Given that timeline, staff said the earliest third-reading opportunity with potential enactment is July 21. Commissioners said they agreed to proceed with the notice schedule and emphasized that any ban would be limited to declared drought conditions, not a standing prohibition at all times.
No final enactment occurred on June 9; the board closed the legislative session and will revisit the bill after the required public-notice period.
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