The Maryland Forest Service found the total acres burned by wildfires in 2025 was more than double the five-year average, despite a similar number of fires to 2024, according to the 2025 Annual Wildfire Report.
According to the report, 172 wildland fires burned 8,167 acres in Maryland during 2025, compared to 2024, where 164 wildfires burned approximately 953 acres. There were 13% more wildfires and 126% more acres burned in 2025 compared to the five-year average. March saw the busiest month, with double the five-year average of fires.
The Maryland Forest Service said that the most common cause of wildfire in Maryland is burning debris. However, arson accounted for the most acres burned in 2025 due to dry conditions, despite the number of fires started by arson decreasing from previous years.
Maryland Forest Service state fire supervisor Chris Robertson said the number of Maryland wildfires has grown over the past five years.
“A couple things to note is that much of the acreage burned in 2025 was from several large marsh fires on the eastern shore and the number of prescribed burns and acres burned has been increasing across the state over the last 5 years,” Robertson said. “Other than that, the causes remain generally the same as previous years.”
According to Robertson, Maryland experienced a warm, dry winter pattern, followed by above-average temperatures with “an exceptionally warm 12-month period for the region.” March 2025 saw especially warm conditions.
Although this week the Baltimore region has experienced multiple days of rain, last week Maryland issued a drought warning for much of the state.
To prevent future fires, Maryland residents can adopt “Firewise Living” as laid out by the Maryland Forest Service. Such techniques include using fire-resistant building materials and removing flammable materials from around structures, such as clearing debris from roofs, yards and gutters.
The Maryland Forest Service will also expand its use of prescribed burns, or controlled fires, to reduce flammable debris on land susceptible to wildfires.
The full report can be found here.
