Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office

04/07/2026

State Fire Marshal John Rudd celebrates 20 years of service and Retirement for UD Fire Marshal Kevin McSweeney. Congratulations Kevin!

03/31/2026

The Delaware Burn Camp is seeking campers from all areas to attend camp this August! If you know of any child, between the ages of 6 and 18 years, who has sustained a burn injury that required treatment by a physician (doesn't have to be severe), please provide them with the Delaware Burn Camp information www.DelawareBurnCamp.com
This year's camp session will be held August 11th-15th, at the Camp Barnes Facility in Frankford, DE. This is a completely FREE camp that will provide the children with the opportunity to bond with others with similar injuries and enjoy a week of fun!! Please contact Joanne Hutchison at 302-653-4090, to register a camper or request more information.

03/16/2026

Today, the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal mourns the loss of retired K9 Tanya, who passed away at the age of 14.

K9 Tanya graduated in July 2014 from the Accelerant Detection Canine Program at Maine Specialty Dogs in Alfred, Maine. She faithfully served the citizens of Delaware as the state’s sole accelerant detection canine until her retirement in 2022, completing eight years of dedicated service.

Throughout her career, K9 Tanya assisted investigators in determining the presence of ignitable liquids at fire scenes and played an important role in numerous investigations. In 2022, she was recognized by the United States Department of Justice for her work supporting a joint investigation.

K9 Tanya was handled by Chief Deputy Fire Marshal John Galaska, and together they formed a highly respected investigative team.

Outside of her work, Tanya loved nothing more than playing fetch with her tennis ball.

We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Deputy Galaska and thank K9 Tanya for her years of loyal service to the State of Delaware and its citizens.

Rest easy, K9 Tanya.

03/09/2026

03/05/2026

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office has determined that a building fire in Smyrna was accidental.

On March 4, 2026, shortly before 11:30 PM the Citizens Hose Company of Smyrna along with mutual aid fire companies were dispatched to the unit block of Malvern Lane, Sunnyside Village Apartments, in Smyrna for a reported multifamily dwelling fire. Fire fighters arrived to find a fire in the second-floor laundry room.

Investigators from the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined that the fire originated within an operating clothes dryer, causing the contents to ignite. The building's fire alarm and fire suppression system both activated. The fire was contained to the laundry room by a single sprinkler head until the fire department arrived and fully extinguished the remaining fire.

No injuries were reported and damage is estimated at $5000. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

03/02/2026

The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office has determined that a house fire in Leipsic was accidental.

On March 1, 2026 around 2:40 AM, the Leipsic Fire Company was alerted to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Front Street. Initial reports indicated that people were possibly trapped inside the residence. Fire fighters from Leipsic and mutual aid fire companies arrived on scene and found fire coming from the roof of the residence. Searches of the residence revealed that it was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Investigators with the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators determined that an electrical failure in the attic caused the fire. Minor damage occurred to another unoccupied residence. No injuries were reported and damages are estimated at $125,000.

02/26/2026

We Remember...

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02/16/2026

LShome Photoelectric Smoke Detector Fire Alarms Recalled Due Failure to Warn During Fire Posing Serious Injury or Death Hazard; Sold Exclusively on Amazon

Consumers should immediately stop using the smoke detector fire alarms and contact [email protected] for instructions on how to receive a full refund through Amazon.com. Smoke alarms can be discarded in the household trash.

02/02/2026

National Burn Awareness Week 2026 Shines a Light on Workplace Safety...Preventing Burns Where You Work

Every workplace, from kitchens to construction sites, presents potential burn risks. During National Burn Awareness Week, February 1–7, 2026, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office joins the American Burn Association (ABA) to promote practical, life-saving burn prevention strategies for workplaces of all types.

This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace,” highlights how small, proactive safety steps can prevent serious injuries.

Prevent Burn Injuries Where You Work
Burn risks exist in every workplace, from kitchens to offices to factories. Taking simple, proactive steps can keep everyone safe.

Top 5 Burn Prevention Tips:
• Wear Protective Gear: Use PPE (personal protection equipment) like gloves, aprons, helmets, or flame-resistant clothing whenever handling hot surfaces, chemicals, or machinery.

• Handle Heat Safely: Monitor hot oil, boiling liquids, ovens, and machinery; open lids away from your face and never leave heat sources unattended.

• Inspect & Maintain Equipment: Check cords, tools, vehicles, and machines for damage or overheating, and follow safety protocols during maintenance.

• Control Flammables: Store fuels, chemicals, and combustible materials properly, keep them away from heat, and avoid sparks or open flames.

• Know Emergency Procedures: Keep fire extinguishers and first aid kits accessible, know exit routes, and practice emergency drills regularly.

Burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021, according to the CDC. Compared to the overall population, children under five were 2.0 times as likely to be seen for burn injuries at a hospital emergency department. Many of these injuries occur in the home and are preventable through awareness and education.

For more information, please visit https://www.ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-prevention-fact-sheets/home-and-everyday-safety

01/27/2026

Every second counts! Please be sure to clear out the outside areas around all exit doors, make sure that exit doors can open properly, and that a clear path leads from the doors to the sidewalk or road.

To help our first responders, please make sure all fire lanes, fire hydrants, and fire department connections (FDCs) are clear of snow.

01/21/2026

Congratulations to Deputy Fire Marshal III Brent Billings on 30 years of service with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the State of Delaware!