State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd has ordered a Burning Ban beginning at 1600 hrs today for all outdoor burning, as current conditions throughout the State of Delaware are extremely dry and pose a fire hazard.

Effective immediately, the following are prohibited:
• Bonfires.
• Controlled burnings, including burning of leaves and yard waste.
• Agricultural burnings.
• Fires for land clearing.
• Fires for demolition and removal of hazards.
• Outdoor rubbish fires, whether or not contained.

What is currently permitted:
 Campfires in areas cleared of all combustibles, surrounded by a non-combustible ring no larger than 3’ x 3’, and used for cooking only.
 Grills/hibachis in areas cleared of surrounding combustibles and used for cooking only.

Carelessness with matches, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle exhausts are the most frequent causes for ignition of dry grass, mulch, and other landscape materials.

State Fire Marshal Rudd asks that all persons properly dispose of cigarettes and matches and avoid parking on or near dry leaves and grass.

All persons are requested to cooperate in an attempt to reduce the danger of fire that threatens our State.

Violators of the Burning Ban may be punished by civil or criminal penalties to the extent allowable by Delaware Code.

Press release from the Delaware State Fire Marshals Office.