Rules & Regulations

• Fires may be set up any time after 5:30pm and should be cleaned up by 11:00pm.
• If you’re setting up the fire yourself, you must dig a pit at least 18” down into the sand to house the bonfire. This prevents scorching of the surface sand. Further explanation of building the fire can be found in the informational brochure available at Town Hall.
• Fires should be placed at least 25’ away from the dune crossing.
• No live bands or DJs are permitted.
• No alcohol is permitted on the beach from May 15^th – September 15^th. Glass containers are prohibited year-round.
• Smoking and Vaping are prohibited on the beach.
• Do not burn cardboard, household garbage, pallets, treated wood, painted wood, or wood with nails.
• Absolutely no accelerants such as lighter fluid or gasoline. These are dangerous and poison the sand.
• Beach fires are limited to 24 persons in attendance.
• Follow all beach rules posted at the dune entrances.
• Portable toilets and/or porta potties may not be set up on the beach unless approved by the Town.
• This permit must be in the possession of the responsible party present at the fire.
• Clean up all garbage prior to leaving the beach.
• The Town of Dewey Beach reserves the right to cancel bonfires due to high winds and/or weather conditions.

Beach Fire Clean Up

Bring a small bucket and shovel with you. Burn the fire down as far as possible, and douse with water. Scoop up all debris from the sand and fill in the pit. Do not bury hot coals or firewood – they will continue to burn under the sand and pose a danger to fellow beachgoers. Take all debris off the beach with you to dispose of at your property or rental. Do not dispose of coals or wood in beach trash cans, in the ocean, or on the dunes. Town staff will sweep the beach each morning to ensure beach fire locations are clean. Any individual that does not properly dispose of bonfire residue is subject to a civil violation and a fine of $150.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to cancel a bonfire prior to the scheduled bonfire date to receive a refund or to select another available date; you MUST inform staff member in person, by phone or by leaving a voicemail if no staff members are available.