DOVER, DE — Delawareans may legally resume burning tree limbs, brush, and branches beginning Thursday, October 1, when the state’s annual open burning ban is lifted. The open burning season runs through April 30, 2026.
DNREC emphasizes that it remains illegal to burn leaves, grass, trash, garbage, or other refuse at any time. This includes tires, construction or demolition debris, paper, cardboard, plastics, furniture, fabric, and mattresses. “Burning emits many chemicals into the atmosphere where they react with sunlight to create ground-level ozone,” said DNREC Division of Air Quality Environmental Scientist Gerald Mood. While recreational campfires, cooking fires, and ceremonial bonfires are allowed year-round, restrictions on other open burning are necessary during the summer months.
During the legal burning season, residents may burn a maximum of 27 cubic feet of tree limbs, brush, or branches at one time, although more material may be added as the fire burns down. Fires may only be ignited between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., must never be left unattended, and require easy access to a garden hose or fire extinguisher.
Residents are also required to notify their local County Fire Board before burning:
- New Castle County: 302-571-7331
- Kent County: 302-734-6040
- Sussex County: 302-856-6306
Illegal burning complaints can be reported to DNREC’s Environmental Hotline at 800-662-8802.
DNREC recommends safe burning practices, including keeping fires away from structures, considering neighbors when choosing when and where to burn, and keeping water nearby. Alternatives to burning include taking limbs and brush to curbside or drop-off yard waste sites, chipping or shredding branches into mulch, or adding organic material to a compost pile. More information is available at de.gov/openburning
