Delaware Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - May 20, 2026

Overview

Delaware is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk due to an ongoing dry stretch and long-term drought conditions across the region. Precipitation has lagged statewide for several months, leading to below-average soil moisture. This dry environment, combined with recent periods of low humidity and gusty southwest winds, has created conditions supportive of rapid fire spread for any ignitions that occur.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire activity in Delaware remains relatively mild this season, with no major large-scale wildfires currently active. Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been limited to minor, isolated brush and grass fires managed by local volunteer fire departments. There are currently no residential communities, infrastructure, or significant values at risk from large wildfires.

Key Fires:
There are no significant large wildfires currently burning in Delaware. Any small, isolated fires that have ignited over the past 72 hours have been primarily fueled by light, dry surface fuels, including grasses, brush, and leaf litter.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
The Delaware Forest Service and conservation partners, such as The Nature Conservancy, utilize prescribed fire outside of the ozone season to maintain the health of forests and grasslands, reduce hazardous fuel loads, and mitigate the risk of out-of-control wildfires. To bolster local response capabilities, the Delaware Forest Service Wildland Fire Program recently launched the Federal Firefighter Property (FFP) Program, which transfers surplus federal and military equipment to local fire departments to enhance wildfire and all-hazard preparedness.

Burn Ban:
The State of Delaware's annual Ozone Season open burning ban went into effect on May 1 and will remain in place through September 30. During this statewide ban, most outdoor burning—including the burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash—is strictly prohibited by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to protect air quality and prevent accidental fire ignitions. Exemptions are limited to cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires using approved fuels.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Over the last 72 hours, elevated fire weather concerns have been present, particularly across inland Sussex County. Southwest winds have reached 10 to 20 mph, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph, while afternoon relative humidity dropped into the 25% to 30% range. These dry and breezy conditions have caused fine fuels to become highly receptive to fire.
Forecasted Weather: While widespread critical Red Flag Warnings have not been issued, the fire risk remains elevated. A transition in the weather pattern is expected starting today, bringing chances of light rain and increased humidity through the end of the week. While this moisture will be beneficial and temporarily lower the immediate fire danger, officials note that a few rounds of showers will not completely erase the longer-term drought conditions affecting the state.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Until significant and sustained rainfall arrives, residents are urged to avoid any unauthorized outdoor burning. Please secure anything that could spark a fire and use extra caution with outdoor equipment, vehicles, and discarded smoking materials. Residents should also utilize alternatives to burning yard waste, such as curbside pick-up, chipping, or composting.
Resource Allocation: Local fire departments and the Delaware Forest Service remain prepared for rapid response. The recent rollout of the FFP Program is actively working to place reliable suppression equipment directly into the hands of local volunteer fire companies to improve response times and firefighter safety.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Delaware Forest Service Wildland Fire Program: de.gov/wildfire
DNREC Open Burning Information: de.gov/openburning
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.