State officials have banned open air burning in all counties effective Friday, amid extremely dry conditions that are fueling more wildfires than usual.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the statewide ban Friday on activities such as campfires and charcoal grilling, to stay in effect until adequate precipitation reduces the threat of wildfires.

Less than a quarter of average rainfall has fallen in October, and besides Garrett and Allegany, much of the state has had little or no rain. The National Weather Service issued warnings of a high risk of wildfires due to dry, windy weather Friday in Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Washington, Cecil and Allegany counties, to stay in effect through Friday evening.

Open-air burning is defined in a 2007 state law as a fire where any material is burned in the open or in a receptacle other than a furnace, incinerator or other equipment connected to a stack or chimney. The law does allow the use of propane grills.

“We do not make these determinations lightly and understand this may require some people to adjust their plans,” Josh Kurtz, state Natural Resources secretary, said in an announcement. “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.”

The Maryland Forest Service has responded to more than 24 wildfires that have burned 75 acres. That’s more than triple the 10 year-average for October of seven wildfires burning 21 acres. Forest service firefighters and partner agencies are now working to contain active fires in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Worcester and Washington counties.

The Forest Service will make the call on lifting the ban. However, conditions are not expected to change in the near future, officials said. The National Weather Climate Prediction Center weather outlook for the next 6-10 days calls for normal or below normal precipitation for most of the state. A 2006 ban lasted from March 31 to April 24.

State law authorizes the Natural Resources secretary to impose such bans when warranted by landscape and weather conditions. A first-time citation carries a $125 fine.

Seven counties, including Dorchester, Garrett, Frederick, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester, already have local restrictions in place, while Cecil and Washington counties had advised against outdoor fires earlier this week. Delaware and several Pennsylvania counties have similar restrictions in place.

Maryland has imposed full open burning bans only four times since 1988 and less stringent bans four times.

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