Delaware Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - June 23, 2026

Overview

Delaware is currently seeing low to moderate fire danger, which is typical for this time of year. The region has benefited from recent rainfall and elevated humidity across the Mid-Atlantic, which have significantly dampened the risk of large-scale wildfires. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, with national resources mobilized primarily for fires in the western and southern United States. Locally, Delaware's fire and emergency resources remain at a normal state of summer readiness and are adequately handling isolated emergency responses.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, Delaware has not recorded any significant wildland fires. Fire and emergency crews have primarily responded to routine calls and isolated structural fires, including a residential incident in New Castle County over the weekend. Because of the wet and humid conditions, the threat of new wildland fire ignitions remains minimal. Any potential fires would primarily be fueled by dormant grasses, dry brush, and fine surface fuels in open areas.

Key Fires:
Currently, there are no large-scale active wildland fires threatening communities or natural resources in Delaware.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The spring prescribed fire season, managed by the Delaware Forest Service and conservation partners like The Nature Conservancy, successfully concluded in late April. Currently, land management efforts are focused on compliance with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) annual "Ozone Season" open burning ban. Effective from May 1 through September 30, this statewide ban strictly prohibits the burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste to maintain healthy air quality and prevent accidental fire spread.

Air Quality: Air quality across Delaware remains in the good to favorable categories. There are no active wildland fires producing smoke in the immediate area, and the ongoing summer burn ban is helping to keep localized particulate matter low.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Delaware is experiencing cloudy and humid conditions, with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s and relative humidity levels hovering near 85-90%. These moist conditions are highly favorable for keeping fire activity suppressed.

Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches in effect for Delaware. The forecast for the next 72 hours includes periodic rain showers and continued high humidity, which will provide beneficial moisture to fine fuels. However, residents should be aware that a severe heat wave is projected to build by the end of the month, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-90s alongside high heat index values. This upcoming drying trend could rapidly dry out surface fuels as July approaches.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: The public is urged to comply with the DNREC summer burn ban and avoid any unauthorized outdoor burning. Even during periods of low fire danger, residents should practice fire safety by clearing dead vegetation from around their homes, securing trailer chains to prevent sparks on roadways, and having an emergency plan in place.

Resource Allocation: Delaware Forest Service personnel and local volunteer fire departments are utilizing this period of low fire activity to conduct training and maintain equipment. The state also remains prepared to dispatch trained wildland firefighting crews to assist with larger incidents in other parts of the country as part of cooperative national agreements.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC): dnrec.delaware.gov
Delaware State Fire Marshal: statefiremarshal.delaware.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.