Media Contacts
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Kathleen McFadden
Media Relations Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Email: k.mcfadden@tnc.org
The Fall 2026 prescribed fire season has begun in southern Delaware. From October 1 through November 30, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will conduct controlled burns at its Ponders Tract/Pemberton Forest Preserve, and Middleford North Preserve in Sussex County. Controlled burns will take place intermittently during favorable weather conditions.
Residents are advised that smoke may be visible during certain prescribed fire days. TNC will communicate the timing of controlled burns as soon as possible via social media. Residents and media outlets are encouraged to check TNC's Delaware Facebook page for the latest information.
Prescribed fire plays a critical role in the health of Delaware’s ecosystems and the well-being of nearby communities by reducing vegetation build-up and mitigating the risk for out-of-control wildfires. In coordination with its partner agencies, TNC uses prescribed fire to maintain the health and resilience of the First State’s forests and grasslands.
“Fire is a natural part of healthy forests and grasslands here in Delaware,” said Natasha Whetzel, TNC's stewardship manager and fire manager in Delaware & Pennsylvania.
Fire is a natural part of healthy forests and grasslands here in Delaware.. There are many ways in which intentional fire helps our local ecosystems.
“There are many ways in which intentional fire helps our local ecosystems: Controlled burning restores wildlife habitat, improves soil health, minimizes the spread of invasive species, encourages growth of native vegetation and increases biodiversity.”
Highly trained fire practitioners and Burn Bosses take numerous steps to ensure the safety of fire staff and the public. For each burn, the crew evaluates the type of vegetation within the burn area, establishes fire breaks and control lines, manages fire intensity and smoke, and provides personnel and equipment to supervise and control the fire all the way from spark to extinguishing.
Prior to a burn, TNC staff will notify the appropriate county Fire Board and coordinate with state forestry agencies and local officials around public awareness, staffing and resources. Weather conditions are carefully assessed the day of a prescribed burn. In the interest of public safety, burning does not take place if weather conditions are not conducive.
Why We Use Fire as a Conservation Tool
Prescribed fire plays a vital role in maintaining healthy forests, grasslands and wildlife habitat. Learn how and why we use fire in Delaware.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 86 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 45 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.