Maryland Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Maryland - May 20, 2026

Overview

Maryland is currently experiencing a significant weather shift, transitioning from near-record heat earlier in the week to a cooler, wetter pattern. Over the last 72 hours, the Maryland Forest Service highlighted ongoing fire risks through the release of its Annual Wildland Fire Report, which revealed that while the number of fires has remained steady, the total acreage burned nearly doubled to 8,167 acres over the last year due to unusually dry conditions and arson. Currently, the National Preparedness Level is at 2, indicating that national fire activity is moderate and resources are adequately available.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently no major active wildfires threatening communities in Maryland. Local volunteer fire departments and the Maryland Forest Service are utilizing this period of low fire behavior to focus on community outreach, equipment maintenance, and interagency preparedness.

Key Fires:
There are no significant active fires to report in the state at this time. When wildland fires do ignite in Maryland, they are typically surface fires fueled by dry leaf litter, dormant grasses, dead woody debris, and dense shrub layers. State forestry teams continuously monitor these fuel loads, particularly in areas like Dorchester County, which saw significant acreage burned earlier in the season.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is wrapping up its spring prescribed burn operations in Worcester and Wicomico Counties. These controlled burns, scheduled through mid-May as weather and site conditions allow, are taking place at the Furnace Town Complex, the Foster Tract Recreational Area within the Chesapeake Forest Lands, and the Wicomico Demonstration Forest. The goal is to use low-intensity flames to reduce hazardous underbrush and leaf litter, improving forest health and mitigating the risk of severe wildfires.

Air Quality: A Code Orange air quality alert was issued earlier this week due to extreme heat and pollution concentrations, but conditions are rapidly improving with the arrival of rain. Residents and visitors near the lower Eastern Shore may still notice localized smoke from the final spring prescribed burns, but it is not expected to cause widespread impacts.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: After experiencing near-record temperatures reaching the upper 90s between Sunday and Tuesday, Maryland is now seeing a significant cooling trend. A low-pressure system has moved into the region, bringing light to moderate rain and higher humidity.

Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches in effect for Maryland. Over the next 72 hours, the forecast calls for a continuation of rain and cooler temperatures dropping into the 50s, 60s, and 70s. This precipitation and increased relative humidity will significantly raise fuel moisture levels, keeping the fire danger low heading into the holiday weekend.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: With debris burning remaining the leading cause of wildfires in the state, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents to consider composting yard waste instead of burning it. Homeowners are also encouraged to practice "Firewise" techniques, such as maintaining a 30-foot cleared buffer around structures, clearing dead brush, and ensuring any recreational fires are completely extinguished.

Resource Allocation: State forestry teams and local fire departments are prioritizing public education and fuel mitigation projects. The Maryland Forest Service continues to expand its prescribed burn programs to reduce hazardous fuel loads on state lands and train personnel for future incidents.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Wildland Fire Management: dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/wfm.aspx

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.