Trending Now - Fire Engulfs Scrap Metal Barge in Delaware Bay

WHO:

U.S. Coast Guard

Petty Officer First Class Matthew West

Local fire departments from Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware

WHAT:

A massive fire broke out on a barge carrying scrap metal

The fire was reported after 8 a.m. on March 10th, 2026

The barge was unmanned at the time of the fire

No injuries were reported

The fire was still burning several hours later

The cause of the fire is under investigation

WHERE:

Delaware Bay near New Castle, Delaware

The barge was being moved to shallower water on the New Jersey side of the bay

WHEN:

The fire broke out on March 10th, 2026, in the morning

U.S. Coast Guard responded after 8 a.m. on March 10th, 2026

WHY:

The cause of the fire remains under investigation

HOW:

Boats on both sides of the barge fired water cannons into the piles of burning metal

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control was on the scene performing air monitoring

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 01:29 UTC)

A massive fire broke out on a barge carrying scrap metal in Delaware Bay near New Castle on the morning of March 10, 2026, with the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire departments from Philadelphia and Wilmington responding shortly after 8 a.m. The unmanned barge was being moved to shallower water on the New Jersey side of the bay, and while no injuries were reported, the fire continued to burn several hours later as crews used water cannons to combat the flames. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on-site conducting air monitoring.