(a) An abatement order directed to the occupant of the premises shall be served within 5 days after the order is issued:
(1) by delivering a true copy of the order to the occupant or to an adult who is apparently in charge of the premises; or
(2) if no occupant or adult is found on the premises:
(i) by posting a true copy of the order in a conspicuous place on the door or other prominent entrance to the premises; and
(ii) 1. by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the occupant at the occupant’s last known address; or
2. if the address of the occupant is not known, by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the occupant in care of general delivery at the post office that serves the community where the premises are located.
(b) An abatement order directed to the owner of the premises shall be served within 5 days after the order is issued:
(1) by delivering a true copy of the order to the owner; or
(2) if the owner is absent from the State or the owner’s whereabouts are unknown to the State Fire Marshal:
(i) by posting a true copy of the order in a conspicuous place on the door or other prominent entrance to the premises; and
(ii) 1. by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner at the owner’s last known address; or
2. if the address of the owner is not known, by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner in care of general delivery at the post office that serves the community where the premises are located.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 6 - State Fire Prevention Commission and State Fire Marshal
Subtitle 3 - State Fire Marshal
Section 6-301 - Office Established
Section 6-302 - State Fire Marshal
Section 6-304 - Assistant and Special Assistant State Fire Marshals
Section 6-305 - General Powers and Duties of State Fire Marshal
Section 6-306 - Criminal History Records Check of Firefighters, Rescue Squad Members, and Paramedics
Section 6-309 - Investigations
Section 6-312 - Written Reports of Investigations
Section 6-315 - Administrative Search Warrants -- for Fire Investigations
Section 6-316 - Administrative Search Warrants -- for Fire Prevention Inspections
Section 6-317 - Maintenance of Fire Hazard Prohibited
Section 6-318 - Abatement Orders -- in General
Section 6-319 - Abatement Orders -- Service of Order
Section 6-320 - Abatement Orders -- Failure to Comply With Order