The statewide burning law is in effect February 15th through April 30th. The law prohibits outdoor burning before 4 p.m. when the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass.
Violation of the burning law is a Class-3 misdemeanor and punishable with a fine up to $500. Those who allow a fire to escape may be liable for suppression costs and any resulting property damage.
The burning law applies to all open-air fires such as debris burning, campfires and charcoal grills like those found in park settings. This law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills. Some exceptions to the law are made for campfires at Virginia State Parks. To learn more about Virginia’s 4 p.m. burning law and fire prevention, go to the State Forestry Department website: https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/fire-laws/4-pm-burning-law/.
Department officials say although Virginia also has a wildfire season in the fall, more than 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s annual average of 700 wildfires occur in the spring. Rising temperatures, dry and windy weather, and abundant fuels such as frost-killed vegetation and dead leaves, increase the potential for wildfires and make them harder to extinguish.
In addition to the statewide 4 p.m. burning law, individual cities and counties may have specific burn laws, bans or restrictions. Check with local officials in your area before burning.
Keep these things in mind this spring fire season:
- Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight as long as proper precautions are taken
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Avoid burning during dry and windy conditions
- No fire may be started, and no fuels can be added to a fire after midnight
- Have a shovel, rake and a charged hose on hand to control the fire
- Call 911 if a fire escapes your control
