Fire pit rules in New Castle County, DE — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fire pits in unincorporated New Castle County are permitted when there is no active burn ban. Fires must use only clean firewood, be attended at all times, and be fully extinguished after use.
In the absence of a declared burn ban, residents in unincorporated New Castle County may use fire pits for recreational fires using clean dry wood. Fires must be attended at all times, kept to a manageable size, be positioned away from structures and combustibles (minimum 10-25 feet recommended), and be completely extinguished before being left. Burning anything other than clean firewood is prohibited. During DNREC-declared air quality alert days, even recreational burning is prohibited.
Recreational fires during burn bans or burning prohibited materials can result in fines from county or state enforcement.
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See how New Castle County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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