DNR Reports Arson Suspected In Several Dorchester County Wildfires; More Than 3,000 Acres Burned

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CHURCH CREEK – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service reports that arson is suspected in at least 6 of 19 wildfires that have burned 3,765 acres in Dorchester County during the first 45 days of the year. The suspicious fires – responsible for the loss of nearly 90 percent of that acreage -- occurred on January 7, 9, 26 and 28. During the same period last year six wildfires burned 925 acres; the total for 2005’s traditional marsh fire season (January to March) was 12 wildfires, which burned 2,267 acres.

Two of the fires, which burned a total of 2,700 acres, occurred on or around January 26 in the Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA). These fires were set on extremely windy days with gusts upwards of 30 mph. High winds can cause a fire to burn through the light, flashy marsh grass at very high rates of spread.

“The wildfires from January remain under investigation,” stated Monte Mitchell, State Fire Supervisor. “If apprehended, the responsible individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”

The Maryland Forest Service (MFS) is charged with the investigation of all wildfires in the state, including marsh fires. According to reports, over 98 percent of marsh fires are caused by human activity. Individuals convicted of maliciously setting wildfires are subject to penalties that could include fines up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years.

Fires also represent the greatest fear for human safety, according to Glenn Carowan, Refuge Manager of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

“We have people out on the marsh almost on a daily basis. I hate to think about what might happen if someone were to set fire to a piece of marsh when one of our folks was out there conducting some study,” said Carowan. “These fires move through the marsh quicker than a person can run, especially with hip boots and cold weather gear on.”

With proper planning and careful application, prescribed burning is an effective tool for managing natural resources. However, it must be done under precise weather and fuel conditions, and performed by qualified fire personnel to minimize impacts to the environment and the public.

MFS is responsible for regulating prescribed burning statewide; Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge manages the prescribed burn program for several thousand acres of marsh in both the refuge and Fishing Bay WMA. For more information on prescribed burning in Dorchester County, contact the Maryland Forest Service office at Church Creek at (410) 228-1861.

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February 21, 2006

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov