How to have a Bonfire on the beach in Ocean City Maryland

Bonfires – Beach bonfire permits are available at ocbonfires.com. Any other open-air burning, including the use of residential firepits, is illegal within the Town of Ocean City without the issuance of a permit.

The Town of Ocean City invites you to enjoy a permitted bonfire along our nearly 10 miles of beach, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Please ensure you read and understand the bonfire Rules and Regulations prior to applying for a permit, to ensure you have a safe and memorable experience!

REGULATIONS

General Requirements

1. Bonfire shall be a minimum of 75 feet away from the dunes.

2. Only untreated, natural wood may be used in the bonfire.

3. Bonfire must be thoroughly extinguished and cooled down prior to midnight and all material must be disposed of in a user-supplied metal container and removed from the beach upon completion. Material must not be buried in the sand, thrown into the ocean or placed in plastic garbage receptacles on the beach.

4. Bonfire MUST be attended at all times. Precautions must be taken to ensure all attendees, especially children, are kept at a safe distance from the bonfire at all times.

5. All other normal beach regulations, including but not limited to: driving on the beach, consumption of alcoholic beverages, time parameters and pets shall be adhered to.

6. Groups under the age of 18 must be chaperoned by an adult twenty-one (21) years of age or older. The permit will be issued only to the chaperone, who will be responsible for compliance with the requirements for the bonfire.

7. The person obtaining the permit must be present during the hours of the bonfire. They must have in their possession a copy of this permit (paper or digital) and present it upon request of a Fire Official or Police Officer. The Town of Ocean City reserves the right to check for permit compliance at any time.

8. Blackout Dates/Times Locations: Bonfire permits will not be issued for the following:

   • -July 4th

   • -For any time after midnight

   • -At any location south of 30th Street from May 1st- September 30th

   • -Additional dates/locations where adverse conditions preclude the safe permitting/regulation of bonfires

The Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following items be utilized for the safe setup and cleanup of a bonfire:

• -Water bucket (for extinguishing)

• -Large Metal bucket/trashcan (for debris cleanup)

• -Metal Shovel

• -Firewood

• -Paper, starter log, or other kindling

• -Grill Lighter or other wind-resistant torch

1. Bonfire material must only consist of untreated wood. It may not include:

   • -Pallets

   • -Any wood with embedded metal (nails, plates, etc.)

   • -Salt or creosote-treated or chemically impregnated lumber

   • -Tar paper or glue-impregnated material

   • -Trash, plastic/foam, rubber, glass or metal products

2. Flammable and/or combustible liquids must not be utilized for igniting or fueling bonfires.

3. Bonfires are permitted only on the beach near the water and a minimum of 75 feet from the dunes. The fire must also be a sufficient distance away from beach boxes, lifeguard stands and other potentially combustible items to avoid possible ignition.

4. Unsuitable wind or weather conditions must be taken into consideration prior to and during the actual bonfire. Adverse conditions may cause the revocation of this permit.

5. Servicing of the bonfire site will be accomplished by hand carrying the equipment and supplies to the site. Vehicles shall not service the bonfire site.

6. Bonfires may be no larger than 3 feet high and 4 feet in diameter, and must be placed in a pit approximately 1 foot deep.

Bonfire Cleanup Requirements

1. Cleanup and restoration of the site must be completed by the expiration date and time set forth by this permit. All ash and leftover material must be thoroughly wet down and allowed to properly cool before being placed in a user-supplied metal trash can and removed from the beach. At no time should warm embers be placed in any trash receptacles. The fire pit must be leveled to return the beach to its previous status. MATERIAL AND/OR ASH SHALL NOT BE BURIED IN THE SAND OR THROWN IN THE OCEAN.

2. Bonfire site will be inspected post cleanup. The permittee may be billed additional fees for the cost of response/cleanup in the event of failure to properly cleanup from the bonfire. Future bonfire applications may be denied due to previous improper cleanup.

3. All persons encompassed in this permit must vacate the bonfire site no later than the date and time set forth by this permit.

4. The Town of Ocean City’s Department of Public Works cleans the beach each night. When you see a beachcomber tractor approaching your area, please be mindful of them and bring your crowd in closer to the bonfire so that they may properly clean the beach.

Fireworks – The use of consumer fireworks, which may otherwise be legal in surrounding states, is not permitted within the Town of Ocean City. The possession with intent discharge aerial fireworks without a permit is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $1000.00, and will result in the seizure of these items. In addition, the possession of ground- based sparkler devices, which may be legal in other areas of the State of Maryland, is expressly prohibited within the Town of Ocean City.

Permits are available for the display of fireworks by licensed Maryland Pyrotechnicians.

Apply for a Bonfire Permit Online

Visit: www.OCBonfires.com for permits.