Fire Burning Laws

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

The Virginia Department of Forestry website states the following on burning.

• No burning until after 4:00 p.m. February 15 through April 30 of each year, if the fire is in or within 300 feet of woodland, brush land or field containing dry grass or other flammable material.
• Fire shall not be left unattended if within 150 feet of woodland, brush land or fields containing dry grass.
• No new fires set or fuel added after midnight.
• Law applies to campfires, warming fires, brush piles, leaves, household trash, stumps, fields of broom straw and brush or anything capable of spreading fire.
• The law provides for a penalty of up to $500, plus payment of court costs and fire suppression costs if the fire escapes.
• Please remember to check with the county that you will be burning in, individual counties can also have their own burning laws in addition to state regulations.
• Always, make safety your number one policy.

If you must burn…Follow these safety tips.

• Beware of power lines, trees and structures.
• Clear all flammable materials, such as dry leaves and dry grass, from around the fire.
• Have water and hand tools, such as a shovel and/or rake, available.
• Have communication available or have someone nearby who can call for help in case of an emergency.
• Burn when the humidity is high and the wind is calm.
• Stay with the fire until it is completely out.
• Please make sure all children are supervised and kept a safe distance from the fire.
• Always make safety your number one policy (Reminder per The Virginia Department of Forestry AND SERVPRO of Fredericksburg)