The Takoma Park Police Department has shared guidelines regarding open burning and the use of fire pits to ensure residents follow all Montgomery County rules. More guidelines and rules can be seen below courtesy of Takoma Park Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services:
Please be sure you are adhering to all county guidelines and using precautions when using a fire pit. Always keep pets and children a safe distance away. Open burning is defined as a fire where any material is burned on the ground or in an open receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney. Campfires are considered open burning. Some recreational burning is allowed under strict conditions. All other open burning without a permit is prohibited in Montgomery County, and fines of $500 per day may be imposed. The following items may not be burned in the City of Takoma Park or Montgomery County at any time:
– Household trash
– Tires
– Construction debris
– Asphalt shingles and tar paper
– Leaves, lawn thatch, and garden trimmings
– Green brush and other fresh or dried plant life (except certain agricultural materials)
The following information was previously shared by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services:
• You must have permission from the land owner.
• There must be one person at least 18 years of age to assume responsibility for the use of these appliances.
• Use in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Once you purchase this appliance, keep these
guidelines in a safe place for future reference.
• We strongly recommend keeping Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas and similar devices at least 10 feet away
from your home. Keep a clear area of at least 3 feet in diameter around the appliance. Please remember that
mulch can burn so keep your appliance at least 3 feet away from mulch as well.
• We strongly recommend you not use Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas on a balcony or deck.
• Burn only aged dried wood. The burning of any type of construction material, brush or other trash is
prohibited.
• Do not use any type of flammable or combustible liquid at any time.
• Have a garden hose connected to a constant water source available and close by.
• Smoke should not cross property lines into your neighbor’s home. Be mindful of the wind speed prior to
starting a fire.
• Do not use on Code Orange or Code Red Air Quality days.
• Dispose of all ashes in a safe manner. After 24 hours has passed, all left over hot ashes must be thoroughly
dampened, cooled and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Ashes that
are 2 or 3 days old may appear to be safe, but can still retain enough heat to cause an unwanted fire. Do not discard hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag cardboard box or anything that is combustible. Also, be careful in handling partially burned wood. The wood may still be smoldering and cause a serious burn.
Please keep in mind, that if the Fire Department is contacted and determines your situation to be a fire hazard, the Fire Department can and will extinguish your fire.
If additional questions arise, please call the Office of Fire Code Compliance at 240-777-0311.
For more information on burning guidelines, restrictions and safety, visit the following:
https://www.
https://www.