Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Hosts Annual Chametz Burn

Community members invited to dispose of leavened bread products ahead of Passover

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely blurred and abstracted scene of warm, glowing light and color, conceptually representing the communal spirit and cultural traditions of the Chametz Burn event.The annual Chametz Burn in Pikesville brings the community together to celebrate the start of Passover through a ceremonial cleansing ritual.Baltimore Today

The Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company in Maryland is hosting its annual Chametz Burn event on April 1st, where community members can bring leavened bread products to be burned in dumpsters as a way to prepare for the Passover holiday. The free event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and donations to the fire department will be accepted.

Why it matters

The Chametz Burn is a longstanding tradition in the Pikesville Jewish community, allowing residents to properly dispose of leavened foods before the start of Passover in accordance with religious observances. The fire department's hosting of this event helps facilitate this important ritual for local families.

The details

During the Chametz Burn, community members can bring any leavened bread products, such as bread, crackers, or pasta, to the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company station. The items will be collected and burned in dumpsters on the property. Participants are asked to remove the food from any packaging before throwing it into the fire. There is no cost to attend, but donations to support the fire department will be accepted.

  • The Chametz Burn event will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The players

Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company

A local fire department in Pikesville, Maryland that hosts the annual Chametz Burn event for the community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company encourages all community members to participate in the Chametz Burn ahead of the start of Passover.

The takeaway

The Chametz Burn is an important annual tradition that allows the Pikesville Jewish community to properly dispose of leavened foods in preparation for the Passover holiday, with the local fire department playing a key role in facilitating this observance.