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Fire crews burn phragmites along canal in Lewes
Flames shoot up from an April 23 controlled burn in the marsh along Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
April 23, 2021
Members of the Delaware Fire Service, assisted by local firefighters, conducted a controlled phragmites burn April 23 on 48 acres of marsh along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Lewes. The burn helped to reduce hazardous fuel buildup and will help restore native marsh habitat by removing invasive phragmites. The last controlled burn in the area took place in 2008.
Driven by a slight wind, phragmites ignites with a blast of flame.
Firefighters are almost hidden by the smoke as it blows toward Cedar Street in Lewes.
Lines of flame spread out across the marsh near the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
A Delaware Fire Service member prepares to light a fire.
Smoke can be seen all over the Lewes area as fire crews burn invasive phragmites off the marsh.
With a large section already burned, the fire crew moves on to phase two of the controlled burn in the afternoon.
Cape Water Tours riders have a close look at the controlled burn in Lewes.
