Delaware Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - April 22, 2026

Overview

Delaware is currently navigating its spring wildfire season, which typically sees the highest occurrence of wildfires in the Mid-Atlantic region. This is due to a combination of dormant vegetation, lower humidity, and gusty winds. The Delaware Forest Service has warned of an elevated wildfire risk across all three counties due to ongoing dry conditions and a recent uptick in outdoor fires. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness where local geographic areas are managing incidents well.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildland fire activity in Delaware remains relatively light, with local volunteer fire departments successfully handling routine brush and grass fires. Over the last 72 hours, there have been no large-scale, uncontained wildland fires threatening communities or requiring state-level incident management.

Key Fires:
There are currently no major active wildland fires in Delaware. Local crews continue to monitor and quickly suppress smaller, routine brush fires. When these smaller fires do ignite, they are primarily fueled by dry surface grasses, dormant vegetation, and dead limbs on the forest floor, which have not yet absorbed spring moisture.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
Proactive land management is currently underway across the state. The Delaware Forest Service is in the operational window to conduct a controlled prescribed burn of a 43-acre field along U.S. 301 near the Spring Mill Community of Middletown. Known as the Dove Nest pollinator mitigation site, this burn aims to establish early successional habitat, manage invasive species, and reduce hazardous fuel loads. Additionally, The Nature Conservancy is conducting controlled burns at its Ponders Tract/Pemberton Forest Preserve, Edward H. McCabe Preserve, and Milford Neck Preserve intermittently through April 30.

Air Quality:
Air quality across the state remains generally good. However, residents near the planned prescribed burn areas in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties may see visible smoke and should exercise caution. Individuals who are highly sensitive to smoke are advised to remain indoors for the duration of these local burning operations.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather:
Current conditions in Delaware feature partly sunny skies with temperatures around 68°F and moderate humidity near 51%. There are currently no active Red Flag Warnings for Delaware.

Forecasted Weather:
The forecast for the next 72 hours indicates a mix of sun and periodic clouds, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-70s. Humidity will hover between 45% and 60% through Friday. Rain showers are expected to move into the region by the weekend, which will help increase fuel moisture and temporarily lower the fire danger across the state.

Recommendations

Public Awareness:
Due to the elevated wildfire risk, the Delaware Forest Service urges all residents to be extremely cautious with outdoor burning. Residents are also reminded that Delaware's annual statewide open burning ban (Ozone Season) will officially go into effect on May 1 and last through September 30. During this time, residential open burning of branches, limbs, and shrubbery is strictly prohibited.

Resource Allocation:
To bolster local response capabilities, the Delaware Forest Service recently re-launched its Federal Firefighter Property (FFP) Program. Through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Forest Service, this initiative provides surplus military and federal equipment—such as fire tankers, pumpers, and specialized tools—to eligible local fire departments at no cost, ensuring they are prepared for the spring fire season.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.