On Sunday February 26, 2023, at 3:32pm, Delaware City Fire Company and Port Penn Fire Company were dispatched to the 2500 block of McCoy Road for a wildland fire. Chief MacKenzie marked on scene shortly after and requested additional off-road vehicles as well as aviation or a drone for aerial surveillance. Crews found approximately 1 acre of dense mixed vegetation burning. Access was a challenge due to the terrain and it took some time to get hose lines and off-road vehicles in position. Chief MacKenzie was able to get an aerial view of the fire and monitor progress thanks to Delaware State Police Aviation Section helicopter Trooper 4 to help guide the operation. The fire was mopped up and crews returned to service in 2 hours.

The likely cause of this fire was trespassing dirt bikes. Spark arrestors are important pieces of equipment for dirt bikes and help to prevent such fires. If you accidentally cause a fire, do the right thing and call 911. Leaving the area results in delayed 911 activation and only helps the fire to grow.

Assisting Agencies:
Port Penn Volunteer Fire Company 29-6, Argo 29, and 29-8
Odessa Fire Company Gator 24
Good Will Fire Company Kubota 18
Delaware State Police Aviation Section Trooper 4
DNREC Natural Resources Police