CLAYTON, Del. (Aug. 27, 2025) — The Delaware Forest Service’s Wildland Fire Crew is planning a controlled burn just west of Clayton beginning this evening in response to a fire involving approximately 200 hay bales.

A controlled burn of the hay is necessary to stop the blaze’s spread, said State Forester Kyle Hoyd, and could last as long as 24-30 hours. Without a controlled burn, Delaware Forest Service fire experts believe the pile could smolder and burn for weeks.

Smoke and odors will likely occur in the area during the incident, which was discovered Wednesday morning. Officials with the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are monitoring the situation, with DNREC and the Clayton Fire Company providing assistance and support for the controlled burn.

DNREC recommends that area residents keep windows and doors closed, as well as turn off air conditioning systems that draw in outdoor air, if smoke is prevalent, especially if they have respiratory issues.

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