Second-worst drought in Delaware history prompts state to discourage burning

During the four-month period from November through February, Delaware had a total of 420 outdoor fires, with forest crews handling 15 of those.

Most ignited downstate in rural western Kent and Sussex counties, said Jay Jones, who heads the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Though only a small percentage needed the forest service’s intervention, Jones shares the Forest Service’s concerns since most were started from unattended outdoor burning of trash, construction material and leaves.

“That stuff should not be burned at any time,” Jones said.

State climatologist Kevin Brinson said forestry officials aren’t exaggerating about the drought.

During the six months that ended in February, Delaware had 9.81 inches of rain. That’s less than half of normal rainfall for the period — 21.17 inches — and the second-driest September-through-February period “in our 130 years of observations in Delaware,” Brinson said.

The normal rainfall for an entire year in Delaware is 46 inches, Brinson said. But last year only 37 inches fell, the 18th lowest in recorded history.

While the kinds of devastating wildfires southern California and, to a lesser extent, the Carolinas have already experienced this year aren’t foreseen in tiny Delaware, the concern is elevated this year, in large part because a wet spring isn’t in the forecast.

Hoyd says that even with some recent rainfall as winter comes to an end, Delaware’s dormant grass, brush and trees cannot absorb the water that they do later in spring, “when green-up and growth occur.” That has created a situation where grass, leaf litter and pine needles can easily combust.

Jones doesn’t fear widespread devastating fires, but issued a reminder that during a drought like Delaware is experiencing, the risk intensifies in windy conditions.

“A fire will walk and go quickly,” Jones said. “It takes some time to get our people on scene with the equipment. A small [3-foot-by-3-foot] fire can very easily walk within a matter of minutes to 4, 5, 10 acres.”

Topper said his team is on call around the clock but should be expanded and equipment upgraded “if this is the new norm.”