The statewide ban on outdoor burning has been lifted, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced on Thursday, November 21. The ban went into effect on November 1 in response to weeks of dry weather that created a significant risk of out-of-control wildfire, but it was lifted as of Thursday after increased participation in recent days, including a major rainstorm the night before.
The Town of Bel Air was included in the burn ban, with Bel Air Police Department officers tasked with enforcing it in the Town limits. The lifting of the ban clears the way for a bonfire to happen as part of Bel Air's Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 8. The festivities include the annual parade along Main Street, followed by a community celebration in Shamrock Park with the bonfire, holiday concert and the ceremonial lighting of the Town's new Christmas tree, a 30-foot Norway spruce.
Natural Resources officials do note, in a news release, that Maryland is still experiencing drought conditions and urge people to either not do outdoor burning or exercise "extreme caution" if they make a fire.
Media and Public Relations Specialist David Anderson can be reached at 410-838-7181 or danderson@belairmd.org.