Delco Puts 30-Day Burn Ban In Place During Record Dry Spell

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A burn ban is now in place across Delaware County.

The Delaware County Council voted Wednesday to pass a resolution establishing a temporary countywide ban on open burning. This ban is effective Thursday through the next 30 days. The ban may be extended if needed.

Authorities said the ban resolution was passed due to heightened wildfire risks amid ongoing dry conditions, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures.

The burn ban prohibits all forms of open burning, which includes any outdoor burning of materials such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, paper, vegetation from land clearing, and any other debris. Open burning is defined as burning conducted in burn barrels (screened or unscreened), fire rings, or directly on the ground in any outdoor location.

Exceptions to the ban exist. They are: propane or gas stoves for outdoor cooking; charcoal grills for cooking purposes; tobacco use in any form, such as cigarettes and cigars; campfires contained within fire rings at state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campgrounds.

Enforcement of the burn ban will be carried out by all sworn police officers across Delaware County. Violations of the burn ban are treated as a summary offense and carry a $100 fine for the first offense, up to a $200 fine for the second offense, and up to $300 for third and subsequent offenses.

In municipalities that have existing ordinances prohibiting open burning, police officers have the discretion to issue citations under either the municipal ordinance or the county’s burn ban resolution. Violators cannot be cited under both the county resolution and a local ordinance for the same infraction.

The ban was recommended by Delaware County’s District Forester, Richard J. Hartlieb Jr., on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Supported by over 70 Fire Chiefs across Delaware County, this recommendation underscores the urgent need to mitigate fire hazards and protect life and property in Delaware County.

Alongside the burn ban, Delaware County encourages residents to conserve water to alleviate strain on local resources. Below are tips on preserving water during this dry period:

• turn off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes;
• run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
• take shorter showers and consider using water-efficient fixtures;
• and minimize lawn watering and use brooms rather than hoses to clean driveways and sidewalks.