The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office had a very busy July 4th holiday weekend. The investigative division issued permits and conducted site inspections of 24 professional firework displays throughout Delaware. These inspections ensure proper safety distances from spectators and structures, as well as the inspection of the devices and equipment used to ignite and set off the fireworks. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office also requires that a Delaware-licensed pyrotechnician is on-site and the organization has complied with the state’s insurance requirements.

Deputy State Fire Marshals also investigated 8 fires throughout the state involving structures and vehicles as a result of improperly using and/or disposing of fireworks. The damages of those incidents exceeded $200,000. On July 4, 2025, 37 outside fires were also reported throughout the State.

Teams of Deputy Fire Marshals were also present in Lewes and Dewey Beach to assist their police departments and to check for any overcrowding situations at bars and restaurants.

The Delaware State Fire Marshals Office did not receive reports of any injuries related to fireworks over the weekend, but a search is underway by Bethany Beach Police Department for a subject that shot fireworks into crowds of people on July 2, 2025.

As a reminder, all fireworks in Delaware are now illegal to possess and/or use, until the 3rd day of Diwali, New Years Eve of 2025, and New Years Day of 2026. Subjects in possession and/or use are subject to arrest and fines. Information regarding consumer fireworks can be found on the Delaware State Fire Marshals Office website.

https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/consumer-fireworks-information/

Assistant State Fire Marshal, B. Scott Bullock
Delaware State Fire Marshal
1537 Chestnut Grove Rd
Dover, Delaware 19904
(302) 739-4447 Office

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