Friday October, 18 2024 @ 16:57

Nature: Outside Fire

Location: Mount Joy Rd and near Cannon Rd Millsboro, DE 19966

On Friday afternoon, October 18^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for an outside fire on Mount Joy Road just past Maryland Camp Road.  It was reported that a homeowner was outside burning during a mandatory burn ban.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Brush 80 from the Long Neck facility and Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility.

It was reported to the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) that someone was burning outside during a statewide burn ban and wanted the situation checked out.

Upon arrival, the Office in Charge identified two separate locations were burning outside was happening and apprised the residents of the statewide burn ban that was in effect and requested that the debris be saturated with water to fully extinguish the incident.

Effective October 15, 2024 @ 16:00 hours, 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.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing - https://news.delaware.gov/2024/10/15/delaware-faces-dry-conditions-open-burning-ban-issued-water-conservation-urged/.