Eastern Shore Fire Departments Warn Against Outdoor Burning

OCEAN PINES, Md. -It was quite a windy day Monday and more of the same will continue Tuesday.

There was a ‘red flag' warning until 8 p.m. Monday night for the Eastern Shore.

Local volunteer fire stations like Ocean Pines Fire Department said that if for any reason YOU want to burn anything outside, you're going to have to hold off on those plans.

"We have high gusty winds and a very low humidity," said Bill Bounds, the department's deputy chief.

"With the winds blowing 35 to 40 miles an hour like they are today it's very easy for a pieces of rubbish, leaves or what have you to blow quite some distance away and cause a fire that they (residents) may not be aware of," Bounds explained.

Bounds also warned against activities that many people would probably consider normal to do at any other time.

He said that includes "Anyone who burns trash, in some of the rural areas where the wind can blow some embers out of that burn barrel and cause it to catch a fuel on fire."

Kevin Massey ,a wildfire mitigation specialist with the Maryland Forest Service, said that if there is a big brush fire their department is ready to handle it.

"We have specialized equipment whether it's our heavy bulldozer that we put fire lines in and we try to contain the fires before it reaches peoples' homes," Massey said.

Bounds and Massey recommend residents to be prepared for their own good, such as having the right equipment in case of an emergency.

"One of the best things, that people can have is just a fire extinguisher that's 2 1/2 gallons of water pressurized by an air compressor," Bounds said.

"Have an escape plan," Massey said. "Have some important papers together, have a 911 address marked on your home and clear any flammables away from your home in case a flying ember does come to your house."

Massey said the forest service will once again launch its summer program under the Fire Wise Maryland of the Eastern Shore campaign. The campaign is meant to educate residents about protecting their homes against any potential wildfires.

For more information visit http://www.firewise.org/.