Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
Brian S. Geraci State Fire Marshal
STATE FIRE MARSHAL ADDRESSES “CORN MAZE” SAFETY PIKESVILLE, MD (October 7, 2013) -- With Autumn coming into full swing, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci is offering valuable safety information to Marylanders who are preparing to venture out into the “country” to enjoy what has become a very popular family venue - Corn Mazes. “Citizens are curious about Corn Mazes and how safe they are from fire,” according to the State Fire Marshal. “Maryland’s fire codes help prevent tragedies and ensure a fire-safe environment for families.” Requirements such as providing safety instructions to visitors, employees stationed on a platform to monitor conditions in the maze, prohibitions of open flames such as candles, gas-fired lanterns or other devices within the maze, and no smoking within the maze help minimize the risk from fire. Other requirements limiting the number of patrons at any one time within the maze, established fire lanes, public address systems, and keeping fireworks displays no closer than 300 feet from the maze are also enforced to enhance a fire safe environment. “Although a Corn Maze may not seem to present a fire danger to most people, they are actually extremely combustible,” stated the State Fire Marshal. Entrepreneurs considering creating a Corn Maze attraction should contact their local permits office and are urged to contact their local fire prevention bureau or the Office of the State Fire Marshal for a complete list of fire safety requirements before creating their venue. ###
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.
Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208