As we start to get a taste of "Spring-like" weather, we would like to remind everyone to use caution as you start your outdoor spring cleaning. Please read the following release from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources ... DNR Urges Caution To Prevent Wildfires Debris Burning Leading Cause of Maryland Wildfires ----------- ANNAPOLIS, MD – Wildfire occurrence in the mid-Atlantic region is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions optimize fire spread. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service urges caution in any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire. “Spring weather conditions with warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds, small fires can easily turn into dangerous incidents that threaten lives, property, and natural resources,” explained State Fire Supervisor Monte R. Mitchell. “Each year, DNR Forest Service staff, volunteers, and local fire departments respond to an average of 660 wildfires that burn more than 3,600 acres of forest, fields, and marshlands.” Debris and outdoor burning remains the leading cause of wildfires in Maryland, accounting for 30 percent of the wildfires that occur in the state. Other causes include arson, children, and equipment use. Lightning is the only natural source of fire ignition, but accounts for less than 2 percent of wildfire starts in Maryland. While outdoor debris burning is legal in most areas of the state, the Maryland Forest Service strongly recommends other safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives such as composting or mulching of yard waste, leaves, and brush and utilizing larger brush or trees for firewood. If outdoor burning is conducted, it should only be done on low fire danger days and the DNR Open Air Burning Regulations must be followed for all activities in woodlands, within 200 feet of woodlands and adjacent to or within an area where flammable materials could ignite and carry fire to woodlands. A person may not engage in open air burning except under the following conditions: (1) There is a natural or constructed fire break at least 10 feet wide completely around the material to be burned that is free of flammable materials; (2) Adequate personnel and equipment are present to prevent the fire from escaping; (3) At least one responsible person remains at the location of the fire until the last spark is out; and (4) Burning occurs between the hours of 4 p.m. and 12 midnight E.S.T., except that when the ground is covered with snow the burning may occur at any time so long as all other requirements are met. “Homeowners also have a responsibility for wildfire preparedness in order to minimize and prevent losses when a wildfire occurs,” added Mitchell. Creating defensible space – an area of at least 30 feet surrounding the home and outbuildings – serves as a safety zone around the structures. Within this area, the vegetation should be controlled and the area free of dead debris, leaves, and flammable vegetation in order to prevent a wildfire from spreading from the forest to the structure. Maintaining a green space that is landscaped with fire resistant vegetation improves the safety zone. In addition, each household should prepare a disaster plan. More information visit the Forest Service Wildland Fire Management website at: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/wfm.asp . March 13, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell [email protected] The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction