Worcester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore has issued a burn ban, and officials in nearby Talbot County are asking residents to avoid burning because of increased risk of fire during the current heat wave.
Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon says all burn permits have been rescinded until further notice.
Issued Thursday, the ban applies to all outdoor burning, including ground-based sparkling devices. Exceptions include properly used gas and charcoal grills, campfires at commercial, state and federal campgrounds, and permitted Ocean City bonfires.
Talbot County officials say the area has had a number of ground cover fires recently started by controlled burns or fireworks, including two brush fires in the Tunis Mills area this week.
