State Fire Marshal, John W. Rudd, has ordered a Burning Ban, beginning October 15, 2024, for all outdoor burning, as current conditions throughout the State of Delaware are extremely dry and pose a fire hazard. Effective immediately, the following are prohibited: bonfires, controlled burnings (including burning of leaves and yard waste), agricultural burnings, fires for land clearing, fires for demolition and removal of hazards, and outdoor rubbish fires (whether or not contained). More Info

Office of the
State Fire Marshal

K-9 Team

Listen

Deputy State Fire Marshal Michael Pfaffenhauser and K-9 PJ are a fire investigation accelerant detection team with the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. K-9 PJ, a Yellow Labrador Retriever, and Deputy Pfaffenhauser were trained during a 4-week class in Concord, New Hampshire by Maine Specialty Dogs and certified as a team by the Maine State Police in April 2022. K-9 PJ is specially trained to sniff out ignitable liquids that may be used to start or spread a fire. Deputy Pfaffenhauser and K-9 PJ will also perform demonstrations for schools and other organizations. As a team Deputy Pfaffenhauser and K-9 PJ are proud to serve the entire state of Delaware.

To request a demonstration please use our Display Presentation Request Form. Return completed form to FM_PR@delaware.gov.

Delaware's Government