Fire Regulations in Delaware (2026)
11 rules on the books across Delaware, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Fireworks
Which types of consumer fireworks are legal, when they can be used, and the fines for setting off illegal fireworks.
Delaware: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsDelaware bans most consumer fireworks under 16 Del. C. Chapter 69, permitting only ground-based and handheld sparkling…
Read full rule →Kent County
Heavy RestrictionsKent County Code § 168-23(O) makes it unlawful to discharge or set off fireworks, firearms or other explosives anywhere…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Significant RestrictionsPublic fireworks displays in Wilmington require a fire prevention division permit, a $5,000 bond, and $1 million in…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsConsumer fireworks (Class C/1.4G) are legal in Delaware for persons 18+, and New Castle County does not have a blanket…
Read full rule →Wildfire Zones
Special building and landscaping requirements for properties located in designated wildfire hazard areas or fire severity zones.
Smoke Detectors
Requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes, including how many you need and where they must be installed.
Kent County
Some RestrictionsKent County Code § 90-3.A(5) puts "lack of required operating smoke detectors" in the county's most urgent violation…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsEvery residential building owner in New Castle County must install and maintain working smoke detectors; tampering…
Read full rule →Sussex County
Some RestrictionsNew construction in Sussex County must meet the IRC's Section R313 smoke alarm standard, while every existing dwelling…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsEvery dwelling in Wilmington must have working smoke detectors, with the number scaled to building height and unit…
Read full rule →Propane Storage
Limits on size and location of residential propane tanks, including setback distances from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources.
Kent County
Significant RestrictionsKent County Zoning Code § 205-29 bans bulk fuel storage, a category that includes propane and other LP-gas tanks, on…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Significant RestrictionsWilmington bans propane and LP-gas storage citywide except for cylinders under 125 water-gallon capacity, or with fire…
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