February 23rd, 2024 by WCBC Radio
Wildfires in Maryland last year significantly outpaced the 10-year average, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report. The report covers data related to wildfires on 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the Maryland Forest Service. In 2023, 199 wildfires burned almost 4,500 acres. Both figures were higher than the 10-year averages of 127.8 wildfires per year and 2,376 acres burned. The most common cause of wildfires last year was debris burning, which resulted in 71 wildfires, followed by arson, causing 51 wildfires. Arson-related fires caused by far the most acreage burned with those fires resulting in an estimated 4,157 acres burned in 2023.
