Delaware Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - August 26, 2026

Overview

Delaware is currently experiencing minimal local wildfire activity, largely due to favorable late-summer weather conditions and moderate humidity. While the state's internal fire risk remains low, the National Preparedness Level remains elevated due to significant fire activity in the western United States and Canada. Delaware continues to contribute to the national effort by deploying local wildland firefighting crews and resources to assist with major incidents out of state.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, there have been no significant wildfires or large wildland incidents reported in Delaware. Local emergency responders continue to handle routine calls, but no large-scale forest or brush fires are active within the state. Firefighters remain prepared for any local starts while actively supporting national suppression efforts.

Key Fires:
There are currently no active wildland fires burning in Delaware. However, Delaware Forest Service personnel and equipment have been mobilized to assist with significant national incidents. For example, Delaware crews recently deployed to support suppression efforts on the Bear Trap Fire in northern Minnesota. That fire has burned approximately 34,545 acres and is fueled by heavy timber, brush, and dense understory in remote, difficult-to-access terrain. Crews have been focused on protecting homes, private properties, and other structures near Big Lake.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Delaware is currently under its annual statewide Ozone Season Open Burning Ban, enforced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Running from May 1 through September 30, this ban prohibits the burning of yard waste, branches, and debris to protect air quality and reduce fire risk during the warmer months. Only cooking fires, recreational campfires, patio fire pits, and ceremonial bonfires are permitted.

Air Quality: Air quality remains stable and generally good across the state. The ongoing open burning ban is effectively limiting local smoke, and there are currently no significant out-of-state wildfire smoke plumes impacting Delaware's air quality.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across Delaware today feature mostly cloudy skies with daytime high temperatures around 83°F (28°C) and moderate relative humidity levels hovering between 50% and 60%.

Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches, or Wind Advisories in effect for Delaware. Over the next 72 hours, a low-pressure system is expected to impact the region, bringing scattered to heavy thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday. Precipitation chances will range from 40% to 70%, with high temperatures remaining in the low to mid-80s. Relative humidity is expected to rise to near 80% during this period. These incoming showers and elevated moisture levels will further mitigate any local fire risks.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are reminded to strictly adhere to the statewide Ozone Season Open Burning Ban. The public is urged to use alternatives to burning, such as curbside yard waste pickup or dropping debris off at appropriate county sites. If you are having a permitted recreational fire, ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving it unattended.
Resource Allocation: While local fire risk is low, Delaware wildland firefighters maintain a high state of readiness. Through mutual-aid agreements, state personnel and equipment continue to be mobilized to assist with wildfire incidents across the country. These assignments provide critical assistance to affected communities while giving Delaware firefighters valuable experience that strengthens the state's own wildfire-response capabilities.

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 Forest Service: agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.