Delaware’s open burning ban takes effect May 1 and continue through Sept. 30. During the ban, residents and visitors to the First State are allowed to conduct cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires. 

The annual burn ban includes agricultural and prescribed burns, as well as the burning of brush, branches and limbs from residential property. It is against the law in Delaware to burn leaves, grass, trash, garbage, or refuse such as tires, construction or demolition waste, paper, cardboard, plastic, furniture, fabric and mattresses. Complaints about illegal open burning should be reported to the toll-free DNREC Environmental Hotline at 800-662-8802.