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Personnel from Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) have been monitoring a smoldering range fire for several days. Unprecedented dryness and winds as well as the smoldering of stumps, trees, and topography continue to produce smoke. With high westerly winds and low humidity, the smoke is traveling into Harford County.
APG personnel are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of personnel, residents, and the surrounding communities.
We ask that residents do not call 911 to report smoke in the area unless they see an active fire. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources statewide burn ban remains in effect for all counties in Maryland, including Harford County.
Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS officials are working closely with the Harford County Department of Emergency Services and personnel from APG to monitor the situation. Rain in today’s forecast will greatly help reduce the smoke and assist with extinguishing the fire.
Any updates will be posted on our Facebook, X, and Nextdoor accounts.
There is a fire on Aberdeen Proving Ground that is producing smoke all along the Route 40 corridor. Please do not call 911 and report smoke in the area unless you see an active fire.
CHANGE your clocks and CHANGE your smoke alarm batteries.
Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined. But working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Fire experts say you may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Every second counts. To help protect your household, take these lifesaving steps:
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes. Include at least two ways to get out from every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows where to meet.
Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide. Authorized agents of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and all police officers that enforce state laws may enforce the restrictions. The fine for a first citation for violating the ban is $125.
More info: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2024/11/01...
Elevated fire conditions are expected due to dry conditions and gusty winds. Relative humidity values around 20 to 30 percent are expected along with sustained westerly winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts 20 to 25 mph. This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels.
Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
Joppatowne High School : Please be advised this is an isolated incident, not an active shooter. Avoid the area. The reunification center for parents to pick up their students is Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
Harford County has opened a hotline for residents to report information about the blast in Bel Air early Saturday morning. If you smelled gas in the area, or if your home was damaged by the blast, please call Harford County Emergency Services at 410-838-5800.
Apparent house explosion 2300 block Arthur Woods Dr, BelAir. FD on sene, no public threat presently.
For reporting trees down, traffic lights out, or other storm related issues, you can visit Harford County’s reporting website at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1737/You...
