Delaware Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Delaware - April 22, 2026

Overview

Delaware is currently navigating its spring wildfire season. In the Mid-Atlantic region, wildfire occurrence is typically at its highest during the spring months due to a combination of dormant vegetation, lower humidity, and gusty winds. While the state is not currently experiencing severe drought conditions, the dry spring fuels necessitate heightened public awareness. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness where local geographic areas are managing incidents well, but some national resources are required to support active regions.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildland fire activity in Delaware remains relatively light, with local fire departments successfully handling routine brush and grass fires over the last 72 hours. Recent significant structural and agricultural fires, such as a blaze in Harrington that destroyed multiple poultry houses and caused over $1 million in damages, highlight how rapidly fires can spread in rural environments under current spring conditions.

Key Fires: There are currently no large-scale, uncontained wildland fires threatening communities or requiring state-level incident management in Delaware. Local crews continue to monitor and quickly suppress smaller brush fires, which are primarily fueled by dry surface grasses and dead limbs.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Delaware Forest Service is currently 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. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is also partnering on a 27-acre burn at Brandywine Creek State Park to encourage the growth of native plants.

Air Quality: Air quality across the state remains generally good. However, residents near the planned prescribed burn areas may see visible smoke and should exercise caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Current conditions in Delaware feature cloudy skies with temperatures in the upper 40s to mid-50s. There are no active Red Flag Warnings for Delaware at this time.

Forecasted Weather: The forecast for the next 72 hours indicates a mix of clouds and sun, with temperatures cooling slightly. Rain showers are expected to move into the region, which will help increase fuel moisture and temporarily lower the fire danger across the state.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are reminded that while open burning is permitted until the end of April, it must be done safely. Never leave fires unattended, keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby, and avoid burning on windy days. Residents should also prepare for Delaware's annual statewide open burning ban (Ozone Season), which will officially go into effect on May 1.

Resource Allocation: To bolster local readiness, the Delaware Forest Service Wildland Fire Program recently re-launched its Federal Firefighter Property (FFP) Program to transfer usable equipment to eligible local departments.

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.