Hurlock Issues Town-Wide Burn Ban Effective Immediately

Dorchester County, MD - The Town of Hurlock is under a strict burn ban starting right now. Mayor Earl H. Murphy, Jr. announced the Town-Wide Open Air Burn Ban on June 8, 2026, citing dangerous environmental conditions and a rising risk of fires spreading quickly.

The mayor's message was clear, this is about protecting people. "We must take proactive measures to protect the lives, homes, and properties of everyone in our community," Murphy wrote in a letter to residents.

Under the ban, all open-air burning is strictly prohibited. That means no burn barrels, trash fires, fire pits, chimineas, or bonfires. Yard waste burning, brush pile burning, and campfires of any size are also banned.

There is one exception to the rule. Backyard cooking grills, both gas and charcoal, are still allowed. However, grills must never be left unattended while in use or while the cooking elements are still hot.

The mayor stressed that a responsible adult must stay with the grill at all times. That means staying put until the fire is completely out or the unit is fully shut off.

Residents who plan to grill are also asked to be prepared. The town asks that you keep a functional fire extinguisher, a connected water hose, or a bucket of water close by whenever you are cooking outside.

Local emergency personnel are keeping a close eye on conditions. The town says it will notify the public as soon as it is safe to lift the restrictions.

In the meantime, residents are asked to keep watch in their neighborhoods. If you spot any unauthorized burning or an unattended fire, report it to local authorities right away.