Delaware Burn Ban Remains in Effect.

Even though Delaware's seasonal burn ban for the "Ozone Season" expired on September 30, 2025, a separate statewide burn ban was issued due to drought conditions on October 15, 2024, and remains in effect. The ban prohibits most controlled outdoor burning, though some exceptions and specific rules apply.

Burn ban issued due to drought:

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's burn ban, enacted on October 15, 2024, is due to dry conditions and will remain in effect until the state receives enough rain. During this ban, the following activities are prohibited statewide:

• Bonfires

• Controlled burns, including leaves and yard waste

• Agricultural burnings

• Fires for land clearing

• Outdoor rubbish fires, whether or not contained

Exceptions and special permits:

The current ban and standing regulations still allow for some activities, but with caution:

• Cooking fires: Grilling and hibachis are permitted, but they must be surrounded by non-combustible material.

• Recreational fires: Campfires for cooking are allowed if they are contained within a 3-foot by 3-foot ring of non-combustible material and cleared of all other combustibles.

• Beach bonfires: Permitted in certain areas like Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island, but only with a special permit. Bonfire permits are not issued when a statewide ban is in effect.

• Permitted yard waste burns: Limited residential burning of small quantities of brush and limbs is generally allowed between October 1 and April 30, but the current fire marshal ban overrides this, prohibiting it for the time being.

How to check for current burn bans:

Burning rules can change quickly based on weather conditions. You should always check for the latest information before starting a fire:

• State Fire Marshal: Check for any active bans issued by the Delaware State Fire Marshal.

• County Fire Board: Notify your local county fire board before any permitted burning, as they will have the most up-to-date information on any localized bans.

  • New Castle County: 302-571-7331

  • Kent County: 302-734-6040

  • Sussex County: 302-856-6306

• National Weather Service: Look for any Red Flag Warnings, which indicate a high risk of dangerous fire conditions.

• DNREC: Check for "Air Quality Action Days" forecast as unhealthy, as all open burning is prohibited on those days.