DELAWARE - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is reminding neighbors of Delaware’s open burning ban taking effect Thursday.
Starting May 1 and lasting through September 30, Delaware’s Ozone Season and open burning ban restricts most outdoor burning in the First State. Cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires are still permitted during this time, according to DNREC. However, those fires may also be limited during Air Quality Action Days or if the State Fire Marshal issues a more restrictive ban.
“The burning ban is critical for continuing to improve our air quality,” said Environmental Scientist Gerald Mood of the DNREC Division of Air Quality. “As summer temperatures rise, and as we get longer daylight hours, the conditions which allow for the formation of ground level ozone become more prevalent.”
The open burning prohibits agricultural and prescribed burning, as well as the residential burning of brush, branches, and limbs. Those who wish to report illegal open burning during this period can contact DNREC at 800-662-8802.
Curbside waste pick-up or drop-off sites, chipping or shredding limbs and branches, and composting can all be used as alternatives to burning waste materials.
For more information on the open burning ban, you can visit DNREC’s website here.