Following more than a month without rain and record-breaking high temperatures across the region, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer says the rain showers on Sunday likely had no impact on the county’s current drought or the statewide burn ban enacted Nov. 1.
There “needs to be a good couple of days, I think, of soaking rain before it makes a difference,” Piringer told MoCo360 Friday. “I would be surprised if [the state] lifted the ban. Usually with a statewide burn ban, it’s usually for, you know, weeks if not months.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide burn ban due to “extremely dry conditions” across the state, according to a department press release. The dry conditions have led to “an above average number of wildfires statewide and conditions are not expected to change in the near future,” the release said.
The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forestry Service determines enough rain has fallen to reduce the threat of wildfires around the state, according to the release.
“We do not make these determinations lightly and understand this may require some people to adjust their plans,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said in the release. “However, a ban of this magnitude is necessary to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors, as well as the state’s natural resources.”
Kurtz said the burn ban is the “only option” available to the state that can allow for monitoring and enforcement to prevent wildfires.
“We will be monitoring the wildfire risk daily to determine when it is safe to lift these restrictions,” Kurtz said.
Piringer said county residents should try to avoid producing open flames outdoors such as with the use of grills, campfires and smoking.
“We prefer that people not use fire pits and chimneys and be very mindful and careful with disposal of fireplace ashes because they can easily start a fire,” he said.
The fine for violating the ban is $300, according to the release. The ban is enforced by “authorized agents” of the state natural resources department and all police officers who enforce state laws, the release states.
“While fines may be imposed for violations, the most important result of a ban of this type is that it communicates to the public the severity of the situation, and the critical need to act responsibly to protect lives, property and our environment,” State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang said in the release.
Fallen leaves are another factor contributing to the fire risk, according to the release.
Piringer noted that drivers should avoid parking on top of leaf piles.
“Not a good idea,” he said. “Your catalytic converter, stuff like that, may be able to catch the pile of leaves on fire. We’ve had one or two fires caused by that” in the county.
Montgomery Parks is also prohibiting all outdoor fire activities at its grounds due to the statewide burn ban, according to a press release Friday. The use and rental of charcoal grills and campfire rings also is temporarily prohibited.
“Montgomery Parks will lift the restrictions as soon as it is deemed safe to do so,” the release said. In addition, residents should call 911 immediately if they see an active, uncontrolled fire or contact the Maryland-National Capital Park Police at 301-949-8010 if they observe someone using a charcoal grill or campfire ring, the release said.
On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a “Red Flag Warning” for the region, including Montgomery County. The warning, which was in effect from noon to 6 p.m., cautioned residents to be prepared for the rapid spread of fires due to a “combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong gusty winds,” the warning stated.
Brushfires in the county
On Nov. 3, dry conditions and an unattended grill ignited a brush fire in Montgomery Village that took county firefighters about seven to eight hours to extinguish due to the remote wooded location of the blaze.
Montgomery Village brush fire, no roads or structures involved, fire affecting some Pepco power equipment, as the fire involves the power lines. Pepco on scene, brush fire contained & knocked down, pic.twitter.com/f8sAQrNRH5
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) November 3, 2024
“It’s [near] a tributary to Seneca Creek, and just kind of tough to get to and limited access,” Piringer said. “But it was very dry, a lot of stuff to burn. … There’s a lot of debris, branches, leaves, and other stuff laying around. So, all that was on fire.”
Piringer said such brush fires are “labor intensive” with firefighters having to stretch hose hundreds of feet from the water supply to the location, rake up the debris, soak it with water and mix it around.
“It took some time to contain it and then put all the hot spots out,” he said.
July’s drought watch is extended
The dry conditions have also led regional officials to extend a drought watch for the Washington, D.C. region, which was enacted in July, according to a Thursday press release from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The drought watch impacts nearly six million people across the region.
The council is asking residents and businesses across the region to take voluntary measures to conserve water and reduce the demand of the region’s water supply systems, according to the release.
A drought watch is a level in the council’s Drought Response Plan before a Drought Warning, according to the release. With a drought warning, “additional water restrictions are requested and could become mandatory should conditions worsen,” the release states. However, the council has never declared a drought warning for the region.
According to Drought.gov, more than 363,000 county residents are currently affected by drought, a 13.8% increase since last week. In addition, the western portion of the county is experiencing a moderate drought, and the central and eastern portions of the county are experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions.
Water conservation tips
While the flow of the Potomac River is low, the council also noted there is an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs in the region.
According to the council, “due to sound planning by area water utilities and local governments, most of the area is well prepared to withstand drought.” Three reservoirs in the region were constructed in the early 1980s to provide water during droughts, and currently, the reservoirs are “nearly full” and water can be released to supplement the flow of the Potomac, the council’s release said.
Nonetheless, the council provided several tips for residents can take to conserve water indoors and outdoors:
- Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs;
- Instead of using a hose, sweep sidewalks and driveways;
- Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water;
- Fix plumbing leaks, especially in toilets and faucets;
- Reduce shower length to less than five minutes;
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth; and
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
More water conservation tips can be found at this link.
