The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office is proud to announce that Fire Marshal Matthew Owens has been named the recipient of the Fire Chief James E. Jarboe Public Safety Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to the fire service, law enforcement, and public safety throughout his 45-year career.
Snow Hill, MD – Due to improving drought conditions and recent rainfall across Worcester County and the Lower Eastern Shore, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office in coordination with the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs has lifted the countywide Open Burning Ban, effective immediately.
"Due to the County's current dry conditions, low precipitation totals, and declining water table levels, the burn ban is effective immediately," Fire Marshal Owens said. "This ban should reduce the number of out-of-control outside fires, which cause safety concerns for area residents, visitors, and especially responding fire personnel."
The ban applies to all outdoor ignition sources, with the following exceptions:
The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office proudly recognizes Deputy Fire Marshal Richard “Hunter” Mauk, who was honored on Wednesday, April 28, at the American Legion Sinepuxent Post 166 in Ocean City during their annual First Responders Awards Celebration.
Deputy Mauk, who has served the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office since 2016, was nominated by Fire Marshal Matthew Owens and Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Korb for his outstanding dedication, professionalism, and leadership both within the agency and in the community he serves.
Effective immediately, the entire State of Maryland is under a burn ban until further. State law enacted in 2007 authorizes the Department of Natural Resources’ Secretary, at the recommendation of the Maryland Forest Service, to implement such a ban when landscape and weather conditions warrant. Open-air burning such as campfires as well as charcoal grilling are not permitted under the burn ban, but state law does permit the use of propane grills.
Effective immediately, Worcester County Fire Marshal Matt Owens issued a burn ban, and ALL outdoor burning is banned for an indefinite period of time in Worcester County.
Shortly after midnight on September 17th, 2024, Worcester County Emergency Services received 911 calls reporting a structure fire at 305 Second St., Pocomoke City and dispatched multiple fire departments to respond. First arriving firefighters from Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company encountered a two-story residence heavily engulfed in fire.
Effective immediately, the outdoor burning ban in Worcester County is being lifted. “Due to the significant amounts of rainfall throughout the county during the week, according to the latest Department of Agriculture drought indicator report, the drought conditions have improved, and the burn ban has been lifted,” Fire Marshal Matt Owens said. All who conduct outdoor burnings, regardless of the type, are reminded that the law requires any fire to be attended from start to extinguishment.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the 100 block of Nottingham Lane for a reported residential structure fire. Upon the arrival of the first fire units, smoke was observed extending from the dwelling. The occupant advised everyone had the exited the dwelling except for some family pets. The fire was quickly contained to the kitchen area. Ocean Pines FD was assisted by the Showell, Berlin, Bishopville, and Selbyville Volunteer Fire Companies.
On Friday, March 22, 2024, the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a reported outside fire on the 12000 block of Collins Road. First arriving fire units reported a large area of grass and brush involved in fire. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished. Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office responded and determined the fire was caused by the home owner burning debris which extended to the surrounding brush and grass. No structures were involved or damaged. The fire service remained on the scene for approximately one hour.