New Castle County is not a designated wildfire hazard zone. Delaware Forest Service manages forest fire risk statewide. No defensible space ordinance applies. Standard fire code (IFC) covers structure protection.
New Castle County is not within a Delaware wildfire hazard area; the county's urbanized and suburban character combined with the coastal climate produces relatively low wildfire risk compared to western states. The Delaware Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) monitors statewide wildfire conditions and issues outdoor burn bans during high-danger periods — violating a statewide burn ban is a misdemeanor under 3 Del. C. §1041. No ordinance imposes defensible space clearance requirements around New Castle County homes. The 2018 International Fire Code (adopted by Delaware) governs structure fire protection, including chimney clearance, vegetation clearance around LP tanks, and access for fire apparatus. Homes in woodland pockets (Brandywine, White Clay Creek, Iron Hill areas) should still practice 30-foot defensible space as best practice. Delaware State Fire Marshal and local volunteer/career companies (Wilmington Fire Department, Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder, etc.) enforce open burning limits year-round.
Violating a statewide burn ban: misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 30 days jail (3 Del. C. §1041). IFC violations at structures: correction required, fines vary. No local defensible space penalties since the requirement does not exist here.
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See how Wilmington's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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