Delaware Forest Service urges caution as wildfire risk rises amid drought conditions

Due to ongoing drought conditions and heightened wildfire risks, the Delaware Forest Service is urging residents across the state to avoid outdoor burning.

Wildfires have been on the rise in all three counties, and local officials are worried that conditions will only worsen in the coming weeks.

Over the weekend, the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement, warning of an elevated fire risk driven by low humidity levels and high winds in the region. These weather conditions, combined with a prolonged drought, have created a volatile situation for wildfire activity.

“Most people associate wildfires with summer, but in Delaware, the risk is highest during leaf drop in the fall and now, when vegetation is dormant,” said State Forester Kyle Hoyd. “We’re dealing with the worst fuel conditions I’ve seen in my 20 years with the Delaware Forest Service. Last week, we faced a wildfire with crown torching on 30 to 50-foot-tall trees. We need everyone to take this seriously to protect their safety and their communities.”

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Vegetation across the state is currently dormant, unable to absorb water, even following recent rains.

This creates an environment where grass, leaves, and pine needles can ignite easily, fueling wildfires.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that nearly half of Delaware is in a moderate drought, with the remaining areas facing severe drought conditions. This is exacerbating fire risks, as the dry conditions persist and create more fuel for fires.

The Delaware Forest Service has already seen a significant increase in wildfire activity.

Between November 2024 and February 2025, more than 420 outdoor fires were reported statewide.

In contrast, the agency typically responds to about five wildfires per year. In 2024, however, the Delaware Forest Service was called to assist with 22 wildfires, and this year, the situation has only worsened.

“We’ve had staff on-call around the clock, and we’re responding to calls for help, but our small team is stretched thin,” said Sam Topper, Delaware’s wildland fire supervisor. “With the rising number of wildfires, we need additional resources to keep up, especially if this becomes the new normal. Our team is doing everything they can to protect the community, but we need more support to keep them safe.”

The peak of Delaware’s wildfire season is typically from mid-April to early May. Already, the Forest Service has responded to two fires per month since January, and four more have occurred in March alone. Local officials are urging residents and visitors to be cautious, as the current drought conditions show no signs of ending soon.

How to protect your home from forest wildfires

In addition to avoiding outdoor burning, the Delaware Forest Service is advising homeowners to create a “defensible space” around their properties to help slow or prevent the spread of wildfires. This safety buffer is critical for both protecting homes and assisting firefighters during an emergency.

For homes up to 5 feet from the structure:

• Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves, pine needles, and debris.
• Repair loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from entering the home.
• Remove flammable materials like mulch, pine needles, and firewood from exterior walls.
• Prevent the build-up of combustible materials under decks and porches.

For areas 5 to 30 feet from the structure:

• Remove vegetation beneath trees to prevent surface fires from reaching tree crowns.
• Clear vegetation around stationary propane tanks.
• Keep lawns mowed to a height of four inches.
• Ensure tree canopies are at least 10 feet away from any structure.
• Use driveways, sidewalks, and patios as natural fuel breaks to limit the spread of fire.

As the wildfire risk remains high, Delaware residents are urged to take every precaution to protect their homes and their communities from the dangers of fire.