Fire pit rules in Wilmington, DE — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fire pits in Wilmington must comply with Fire Marshal regulations. Given the city's dense urban character, outdoor fires require permission and must meet safety clearances.
The Wilmington Fire Marshal's Office regulates recreational fires. Fire pits must use only clean wood, be positioned at safe distances from structures and combustibles, be attended at all times, and must be fully extinguished before being left unattended. In dense residential neighborhoods, fire pits may require prior approval. Burning anything other than clean firewood (e.g., trash, treated lumber, leaves) is prohibited.
Violations of fire safety rules result in fines and possible criminal penalties under Ch. 12.
Wilmington, DE
Residential swimming pools in Wilmington require a building permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections and must comply with the Delaware State Bu...
Wilmington, DE
Delaware does not preempt local tiny-home rules, and Wilmington's City Code Chapter 48 (Zoning) treats dwellings under the standard residential district bulk...
Wilmington, DE
Carports in Wilmington are accessory structures regulated under City Code Chapter 48 (Zoning) and require a building permit from the Department of Licenses a...
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington follows Delaware HB 80 (2017) informal sanctuary protections. The Wilmington Police Department limits civil immigration cooperation with ICE; crim...
Wilmington, DE
Delaware's Healthy Delaware Families Act (DE 19 §3702A) created statewide paid family and medical leave, fully effective 2026. Wilmington cannot create a sep...
Wilmington, DE
Delaware preempts local minimum-wage rules. The state minimum wage rose from $13.25 (2025) to $15.00 effective 2026 under DE Title 19 §902, applying uniforml...
See how Wilmington's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.