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Delmarva's drought persists: Dry weather conditions have first responders on high alert for brush fires

Zakiya Jennings
Zakiya Jennings
Reporter

Zakiya Jennings joined the CoastTV team as a Video Journalist in April 2024. She was born and raised in Somerset, New Jersey. Zakiya received her bachelor's degree from the largest HBCU in Maryland, Morgan State University, where she majored in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Political Science. During her time at Morgan State, she was a trusted reporter for all three of the university's media platforms - WEAA 88.9FM, BEAR TV, and The Spokesman, the student run online publication.

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Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024 Updated Oct 30, 2024

Indian River Volunteer Fire Company battles brush fire in Long Neck — The fire company said that brush, marsh reeds and vegetation along Long Neck and Mariner’s Cove caught fire and was being driven by the wind conditions. Courtesy of Indian River Volunteer Fire Company.

The fire company said that brush, marsh reeds and vegetation along Long Neck and Mariner’s Cove caught fire and was being driven by the wind conditions. Courtesy of Indian River Volunteer Fire Company.

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - It is day 33 without measurable rain and the slight chance of rain on Friday is looming over Delmarva.

This drought has created many challenges for people on the coast, including brushfires. According to the State Fire Marshal, these can easily be ignited by disposing a cigarette or even starting your car.

These dry conditions now have first responders on high alert, ready to respond to any fires.

Driving under colorful trees in October, it almost brings you a warm, cozy feeling.

Colorful trees during the fall in Milton — Colorful trees during the fall in Milton.

Colorful trees during the fall in Milton.

However, those dry leaves can quickly turn to fuel for a fire and that's what first responders are worried about.

Assistant State Fire Marshall, Michael Chionchio, says high winds along with the dry conditions make for double trouble.

"The fires start out being one acre," Chionchio explained, "Because of the dry weather, they end up being 10 to 100 acres just because of the dryness. So you end up chasing the fire," he continued.

A burn ban has been in place since Tuesday, Oct. 15 and one wrong move can start a fire.

That's why Chionchio says the burn ban shouldn't be taken lightly.

"We don't put burn bans in that often, and it's just really necessary at this point," said Chionchio.

The burn ban will remain in place until Delmarva gets rain.

Zakiya Jennings

Reporter

Zakiya Jennings joined the CoastTV team as a Video Journalist in April 2024. She was born and raised in Somerset, New Jersey. Zakiya received her bachelor's degree from the largest HBCU in Maryland, Morgan State University, where she majored in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Political Science. During her time at Morgan State, she was a trusted reporter for all three of the university's media platforms - WEAA 88.9FM, BEAR TV, and The Spokesman, the student run online publication.