In this article, the following words have the meanings indicated:
BURNING BAN
A complete ban on all open-air burning, declared by the County
Council in its capacity as County Executive.
BURN BAN COMMITTEE
A committee consisting of voting members, including the Talbot
County Director of Emergency Services, Chair of the Fire Chiefs Committee,
President of the Talbot County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association,
State Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, and the Talbot
County Health Officer, who serves as an ex officio member, appointed
by the County Council to serve during their term of office or employment.
FIREWORKS
Has the meaning set forth in Md. Code Ann., Public Safety
Art., Title 10, Fireworks and Sparklers, § 10-101, as amended,
modified, recodified or reenacted from time to time.
OPEN-AIR BURNING
Burning any material in the open or in a receptacle other
than a barbecue grill, furnace, incinerator, or other equipment connected
to a stack or chimney, including use of fireworks, sparklers, or sparkling
devices, excepting lawfully permitted municipal fireworks displays.
PUBLIC OFFICER
The Chief Code Compliance Officer, his designees, and Talbot
County Fire Chiefs and their designees.
A public officer having reasonable suspicion to believe that
open-air burning is occurring in an area in which a burning ban is
in effect may enter on the public or private property of any person
to extinguish the fire. Nothing in this section authorizes any public
officer to enter any dwelling, structure, or building.
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter
58, Talbot County Code, the Chief Code Compliance Officer may assess civil penalties against any person believed to have violated this article, in an amount not to exceed $500 for each violation. All persons who commit, conspire, participate, or assist another to commit any violation, or who have ownership, possession, or control of the premises on which any violation occurs, or custody, supervision, or control of any minor who commits any violation shall be jointly and severally responsible for all such violations.