Delaware fires

### Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - March 27, 2025

#### Overview
Delaware is currently facing a significant increase in wildfire risk due to ongoing drought conditions, low humidity, and high winds. The state's vegetation is dormant, making it highly susceptible to ignition, and the situation is exacerbated by severe and moderate drought conditions across nearly the entire state.

#### Current Situation
- **Fire Activity:** There has been a marked increase in wildfire activity across all three counties in Delaware. The Delaware Forest Service has reported over 420 outdoor fires between November 2024 and February 2025, a substantial rise from the typical average of about five wildfires per year[1][2][4].
- **Drought Conditions:** Nearly half of Delaware is in a moderate drought, with the remaining areas experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This has created an environment where grass, leaves, and pine needles can easily ignite and fuel wildfires[1][2][4].
- **Weather Conditions:** The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of an elevated fire risk due to low humidity levels and high winds in the region. These conditions are expected to continue, worsening the fire risk in the coming weeks[1][2][4].

#### Key Details
- **Fire Incidents:** The Delaware Forest Service has responded to an unusually high number of wildfires, including two fires per month since January and four in March alone. This is well above the historical average and indicates a severe escalation in wildfire activity[1][2][4].
- **Fire Behavior:** Recent fires have exhibited severe behavior, including crown torching on 30 to 50-foot-tall trees, which is uncommon in Delaware but highlights the critical fuel conditions[1][2][4].
- **Defensible Space:** Residents are advised to create a "defensible space" around their properties to protect homes and assist firefighters. This includes clearing roofs and gutters, removing flammable materials, and maintaining lawns and vegetation to prevent the spread of fire[1][2].

#### Recommendations
- **Public Awareness:** Residents and visitors are urged to avoid outdoor burning and to be cautious due to the elevated fire risk. Creating a defensible space around homes is crucial for safety and to assist firefighters during emergencies[1][2][4].
- **Resource Allocation:** The Delaware Forest Service is stretched thin due to the increased number of wildfires. Additional resources and support are needed to manage the rising number of incidents effectively[1][2][4].

#### Fire Weather and Wind Warnings
- **Special Weather Statement:** The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement due to the elevated fire risk driven by low humidity levels and high winds. These conditions are expected to persist, increasing the risk of new wildfires[1][2][4].

#### Prescribed Burns and Land Management
- **No Current Prescribed Burns:** There are no reported prescribed burns currently underway in Delaware. However, the emphasis is on preventing wildfires through public awareness and creating defensible spaces around homes[1][2][4].

#### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
- **Delaware Forest Service:** [agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/wildland-fire/](https://agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/wildland-fire/)
- **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

CITATIONS

['https://townsquaredelaware.com/forest-service-wildfire-drought-condition/', 'https://milfordlive.com/forest-service-caution-wildfire-drought-condition/', 'https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn', 'https://www.capegazette.com/article/recent-area-weather-conditions-ignite-wildfire-concerns/288120', 'https://news.delaware.gov/2025/03/26/delawares-fiscal-2026-budget-reset-march-27-2025-at-1130-am/']