Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Open burning is currently prohibited in Anne Arundel county.
What this means
- Open burning of yard waste, brush and debris
- Trash and vegetation burning of any kind
- Warming fires and unattended fires outdoors
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in Maryland
Under COMAR 08.03.12.24, violating Maryland's forest-fire and open-burning regulations is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Natural Resources Article §10-1101 — up to $1,500 for a first offense, and up to $4,000, up to 1 year in jail, or both, for a second or subsequent offense within 2 years.
Classification: Misdemeanor · Maximum fine: up to $1,500 for a first offense; up to $4,000 and 1 year in jail for a second offense within 2 years
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | Maryland Department of Natural Resources ↗ | status: Burn Ban in Effect |
Neighbouring counties
Notify me when this changes
One email when Anne Arundel county's status changes — nothing else. No newsletter, no marketing. One-click unsubscribe.
Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Anne Arundel county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
Marabuut30-Inch Corten Steel Burn Barrel with Mesh LidMesh lid helps contain sparks and embers. Airflow vents, sturdy base, handles for ash removal.View on Amazon 
AURENZOStainless Steel Burn Cage with Removable Ash CatcherSolid steel lid contains flying embers. 360° ventilation slots and a slide-out ash tray.View on Amazon Patio fire pits with spark screens
Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
Product links on this page are Amazon affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, burnbanradar earns from qualifying purchases. This never changes the price you pay or which county status we show. See our affiliate disclosure.
Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Maryland Department of Natural Resources and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Anne Arundel county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Anne Arundel county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Anne Arundel county is currently under a burn ban issued by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Anne Arundel burn ban start?
The exact start date is not carried in the source feed. We started tracking this ban at Aug 21, 2026.
What can I still burn in Anne Arundel county during this ban?
During a burn ban, small cooking fires (grills, camp stoves) typically remain allowed. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and trash is prohibited. Consult the county order or fire marshal for exceptions — some jurisdictions permit specific commercial activities.
How do I report an illegal fire in Anne Arundel county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For a non-emergency burn-ban violation, you can also reach Office of the State Fire Marshal — Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529 (for reporting suspected arson; call 911 for an active wildfire), or contact the Anne Arundel Sheriff's Office.