Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office

08/11/2026

Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility while at school. When it comes to on- and off-campus housing, it’s important for students and parents to keep fire safety top of mind.

The NFPA and The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) work together to help raise awareness about the dangers of fires among college-aged students who live in on- and off- campus college housing. The campaign encourages students to know the risks including unattended cooking, candles, and the disabling of smoke alarms in rooms, and the preventative actions that can save their lives. Get more information and resources from https://www.myccfs.org/share

08/10/2026

Deputy Fire Marshal I
Opening Date 8/8/2026 12:00:00 AM
Closing Date 8/14/2026 11:59:00 PM
Location: 2307 MacArthur Road, New Castle, Delaware, 19720

Fire Protection Specialist I

08/05/2026

K9 PJ had a great afternoon spending time with cadets from the Laurel Police Department’s Youth Police Academy!

Cadets received an inside look at the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office and learned how our team works hand-in-hand with law enforcement partners across the state to keep our communities safe.

Fun Fact: K9 PJ is specially trained to detect accelerants and can identify trace odors far beyond what humans can detect — making him an invaluable part of our investigative team!

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support the next generation of public safety leaders, and PJ definitely enjoyed all the attention.

07/31/2026

Fire Protection Specialist I
Opening Date 7/31/2026 12:00:00 AM
Closing Date 8/6/2026 11:59:00 PM
Location(s) State Fire Marshals Office:
2307 MacArthur Road, New Castle, Delaware, 19720

Fire Protection Specialist I

07/29/2026

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office and the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing have launched a statewide program under HB53, providing free, specialized fire and carbon monoxide alert devices—including strobes and bed shakers—to eligible residents with hearing loss. This initiative aims to close safety gaps for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals by ensuring accessible home safety equipment. Residents can learn more about the program by visiting https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/fire-and-carbon-monoxide-alert-device-program-hb53/

07/28/2026

State Fire Marshal John Rudd was pleased to attend and engage small business owners, in an important conversation on fire prevention and what Delaware business owners need to know to keep their businesses compliant, and employees, and customers safe.

That’s a wrap on our Small Business Series! 🎉

For our final session, we welcomed John Rudd, Delaware State Fire Marshal, for an important conversation on fire prevention and what Delaware business owners need to know to keep their businesses compliant, and employees, and customers safe.

From understanding occupancy requirements and maintaining clear exits to knowing when to contact the Fire Marshal before signing a lease or agreement, our final session gave business owners practical information they can use to operate safely and confidently.

A huge thank you to John Rudd , Senator Poore, and everyone who joined us throughout the Small Business Series, as well as all of our incredible speakers who shared their expertise along the way.

07/17/2026

K9 PJ is all smiles after he and 11 other canine teams successfully completed their annual recertification this week in Yarmouth Maine.

The teams traveled from across the country and parts of Eastern Canada to spend 3 days taking part in drills that cover every aspect of the operational capacity of an Accelerant Detection Canine Team.

K9 PJ and his handler train every day of the year, not just for annual recertification, but to remain prepared to serve the citizens and visitors of Delaware.

We wish K9 PJ a safe trip home and we hope everyone is able to join K9 PJ in a well deserved relaxing weekend.

07/03/2026

The Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating a four-alarm fire that affected several homes in Wilmington.

On July 2, 2026, shortly after 3:00 PM, a fire was reported in the 1500 block of Clayton Road, Wilmington. The Five Points Fire Company, along with multiple mutual aid fire companies responded to the scene. First arriving units found heavy fire at the rear of the residences. Due to the temperature, the fire reached four alarms, bringing additional resources to the scene. Several fire fighters were evaluated on the scene by EMS and New Castle County Paramedics. One fire fighter was transported to an area hospital for heat exhaustion. Six residences were affected by the fire, displacing 20 people.

Deputy State Fire Marshals responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined that the fire originated under a deck at the rear of one of the homes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The families affected by the fire are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Damage is estimated at $1 million dollars.

07/02/2026

The Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a house fire in Smyrna.

On July 1, 2026, shortly before 2:30 PM, a fire was reported in the 100 block of South Main Street in Smyrna. The Citizens Hose Company of Smyrna, along with multiple mutual aid fire companies, EMS, and Kent County Paramedics responded to the scene. Fire fighters arrived to find fire at the rear of the residence. The fire spread to adjoining residences. In total, four homes were damaged during the fire.

One firefighter was transported from the scene to a local hospital after suffering a medical issue. No other injuries were reported.

Deputy State Fire Marshals responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators were able to determine that the fire originated at the rear of the residence. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Damage is estimated at $750,000. The American Red Cross is assisting the families affected by the fire.

06/30/2026

As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety by leaving fireworks to the professionals. With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across Delaware for this milestone Semiquincentennial, state fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks.

State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks—including firecrackers, roman candles, and bottle rockets—are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on July 4th. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following: spinners, fountains, jumping jacks, ground blooms, and handheld sparklers. These firework types can be purchased by a person 18 years of age or older only between June 4th and July 4th. Even legal novelties, such as sparklers and ground-based fountains permitted, pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold. To protect families and first responders, the DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout this historic summer.

"Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe," said State Fire Marshal Rudd. "A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation's milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State."

What is Prohibited?
Aerial and explosive fireworks of any type are prohibited throughout the year. Prohibited fireworks include the following: bottle rockets, firecrackers or fire balloons, aerials like Roman candles, and any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code, Title 16, Chapter 69, D. Not only are these fireworks prohibited in Delaware, but it is also illegal to purchase them across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines. However, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.

The State Fire Marshal reserves the right to confiscate all explosives or fireworks found to be illegally possessed within Delaware.

Safety
As we mark this historic national milestone, we want all Delawareans to celebrate proudly, use common sense, and take a few simple steps to prevent injuries:
• Along with being courteous to neighbors and pets, individuals setting off permitted fireworks at home need to follow proper safety measures when using these fireworks.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Proper disposal of permitted fireworks is extremely important. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or other mishap. Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Dispose of the used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water and place the bucket at least 10 feet away from any buildings, homes, or decks for at least 12 hours.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks cause thousands of preventable injuries every year. In 2025, CPSC received reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction. There were an estimated 1,300 injuries involving sparklers alone. The 15-to-24 age group accounted for the largest share of injuries, and burns to the hands, fingers and head were most common. Many of the most severe incidents involved devices that tipped over, malfunctioned or were used too close to people.

This year is especially dangerous to use any consumer fireworks because of the dry conditions. The safe alternative is to attend professional fireworks shows. All in-state fireworks shows are controlled events, with permitted displays by licensed pyrotechnicians. Any use of fireworks by a licensed company or association requires a permit which details who is igniting the display and the location. These permit applications must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal’s Office at least 30 days prior to the event for approval.

For more information on Fireworks in Delaware please visit our website https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/investigations/fireworks/