Baltimore County Firefighters Battle Brush Fires, National Weather Service Advises Against Outdoor Burning

BALTIMORE COUNTY - The Baltimore County Fire Department is warning residents not to perform outdoor burnings due to the risk of fast-moving brush fires.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Special Weather Statement for the Baltimore area, warning of Northwest winds of 15 to 30 mph and gusts reaching 35 to 45 mph on Wednesday across most of Maryland. 

BGE is dealing with dozens of downed power lines, some of which have started fires. On Tuesday, the Baltimore County Fire Department said that crews were already battling multiple brush fires throughout the area.

Brush and branches may be dry from recent rainfall, but according to NWS, they will quickly dry out in the wind.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Residents should refer to their local burn permitting authority on whether they can burn. Anyone who does burn should use extreme caution and ensure fire suppression is readily available.