Delaware Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - May 13, 2026

Overview

Delaware is currently experiencing marginal fire weather conditions due to dry air and lower humidity, though recent rainfall and light winds are helping to limit the overall risk. The state recently entered its annual Ozone Season, which brings strict regulations on open burning to protect air quality and prevent human-caused fires. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is generally low, as local resources are successfully managing routine incidents without the need for national support.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildland fire activity in Delaware remains light. Over the last 72 hours, local fire departments have successfully managed routine, small-scale incidents. There are currently no large-scale, uncontained wildland fires threatening communities or requiring significant state-level incident management.

Key Fires: There are currently no significant active wildfires in Delaware. Local crews continue to monitor for and suppress minor brush fires fueled by dry surface grasses and dead limbs.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The State of Delaware's annual open burning ban officially went into effect on May 1 and will continue through September 30. During this Ozone Season, most outdoor burning is prohibited to protect air quality and reduce wildfire risk. Agricultural burning, prescribed burning, and the residential burning of cut or fallen limbs, dead branches, and shrubbery are not allowed during this time.

Air Quality: The burn ban is in place to prevent visible smoke and invisible emissions that contain pollutants. These pollutants can contribute to ozone, smog, haze, and reduced visibility, especially in hotter weather. All open burning is strictly prohibited on Air Quality Action Days when Delaware's air quality is forecast as unhealthy by the Regional Air Quality Partnership.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across Delaware over the last 72 hours have been mild and dry, with high pressure building across the Mid-Atlantic. Temperatures have been reaching the mid-to-upper 60s, with dew points dropping and lowering humidity levels into the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Forecasted Weather: The dry air has created marginal fire weather concerns, but light winds (under 10 mph) and recent rainfall are limiting the overall fire risk. Clouds are expected to increase, with a stronger system bringing widespread rain and potential thunderstorms later Wednesday into Thursday. This incoming precipitation is expected to further mitigate fire danger across the state.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are reminded that the statewide open burning ban is in effect and strictly enforced. It is against state law to burn leaves, pine needles, grass, trash, or construction waste. Cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires are still permitted year-round provided they use firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas, and must be kept to a manageable size (no more than 27 cubic feet of material at one time).

Resource Allocation: Local fire departments remain equipped and ready to handle any small brush fires that ignite. Residents are encouraged to use alternatives to burning yard waste, such as chipping, composting, or utilizing curbside drop-off sites.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA): dema.delaware.gov
DNREC Open Burning Information: de.gov/openburning

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.