What you need to know
The order, made in consultation with the County Fire Marshal and the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, prohibits all outdoor burning not specifically permitted and inspected by the Fire Marshal’s Office, according to the resolution. Commercial land-clearing operations using air curtain incinerators must also suspend activity until receiving inspection approval.
Keough said prolonged dry weather has left local vegetation dangerously dry, warning that “even small sparks can quickly become dangerous wildfires.”
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index—a measure of soil dryness—has reached 668, signaling severe drought across Montgomery County.
Despite year-round restrictions, county officials have reported multiple fires in recent days caused by the illegal burning of household waste.
“Please help us by ceasing all outdoor burning until further notice,” Keough said.
Diving in deeper
The declaration activates the county’s emergency management plan and authorizes emergency response and recovery measures. Violations of the burn ban are punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail.
The order will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and the county determines it is safe to lift restrictions.
Montgomery County implemented a burn ban last October, as previously reported.
Earlier this year, the Pauline Road Fire north of Montgomery burned more than 2,400 acres and forced temporary evacuations before being contained, as reported. Local fire departments and the MCOHSEM worked alongside state crews to contain the blaze and assist displaced residents.
