Officials warning of increased brush fire risk

MILLSBORO, Del. – Officials with the Indian River Fire Company are warning residents about the dangers of brush fires amid increased risk.

Dry vegetation, drought conditions and high winds have had the department responding to more of these types of fire recently.

Indian River Fire Company President Patrick Miller said the department is seeing a large accumulation of leaves in areas that are easily ignitable, adding some controlled burns are spreading to nearby vegetation with the windy conditions.

“It’s recommended through the Delaware Department of Agriculture that they do not do any outside burning, eliminate and discontinue all controlled burns and dispose of the materials through other methods other than burning,” said Miller.

Miller said it’s important to remove vegetation from under trees and to keep it 5 to 10 feet away from any structures.

Doing so can help cut down on fires that are spreading