Fire Regulations in Alexandria, VA (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Alexandria requires a fire official's permit before anyone kindles an open fire, including a backyard fire pit or recreational bonfire. Fire Prevention Code Section 307.1, adopted at City Code Section 4-2-21, bans unapproved open burning outright, and Section 307.2 sets a $143 permit fee under Table 107.2. Only approved Alexandria Fire Department live-fire training is exempt.
Alexandria Recreational Fire & Fire Pit Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsCity Code § 4-2-21 (Fire Prevention Code §§ 307.1-307.2; Table 107.2)
307.1 General. A person shall not cause or allow open burning unless approved in accordance with this code and the air pollution control code (chapter 1 of title 11 of the City Code) of the city. No person shall kindle, or authorize to be kindled or maintain any fire in such a manner that it constitutes a danger to public health and safety as determined by the fire official. Exception: Approved...
Fireworks
Alexandria bans the storage, sale, possession, or discharge of any fireworks within the city limits: including sparklers. Violations are Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to a $2,500 fine and/or 12 months in jail.
Alexandria. All Fireworks Prohibited
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 27-97 (Adoption of Fire Prevention Code; Fireworks Regulation)
27-97.2 , the Board shall also establish regulations for obtaining permits for the manufacturing, storage, handling, use, or sales of fireworks or explosives. In the enforcement of such regulations, the enforcing agency may issue annual permits for such activities to any state regulated public utility. Such permits shall not apply to the storage, handling, or use of explosives or blasting agent...
Outdoor Burning
Alexandria regulates outdoor burning under local code and Virginia's 4 PM Burning Law (VA Code §10.1-1142). VDOF issues burn permits and bans.
Alexandria Outdoor Burning Rules
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 10.1-1142 (Regulating the Burning of Woods, Brush, etc.; Penalties)
10.1-1142 . Regulating the burning of woods, brush, etc.; penalties. A. It shall be unlawful for any owner or lessee of land to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material upon such land unless he previously has taken all reasonable care and precaution, by having cut and piled the same or carefully cleared aroun...
Smoke Detectors
Alexandria requires working smoke detectors in every building with dwelling units, hotels, motels, and rooming houses. Owners must inspect and certify to each tenant at move-in and annually that detectors are present and working, then fix any malfunctioning unit within five days of written tenant notice.
Alexandria Smoke Detector Requirements
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code §§ 8-1-53, 8-1-54
Smoke detectors may be battery or AC powered units installed in conformance to the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The owner shall inspect and furnish a certificate to a tenant at the beginning of each tenancy and at least annually thereafter that all detectors are present, have been inspected, and are found to be in good working order. With exception of hallways, stairwells, and other common ...
Propane Storage
Alexandria's Fire Prevention Code requires a $143 fire-official permit for LP-gas storage and use inside or outside any building under Section 6101.2, but Table 107.2 exempts individual residential containers of 500 gallons water capacity or less serving one- and two-family Use Group R-3 occupancies.
Alexandria Residential Propane Storage Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsCity Code § 4-2-21 (Fire Prevention Code § 6101.2; Table 107.2)
LP Gas. Storage and use inside or outside of any building. 6101.2 $143.00 Exception: 1. Individual containers with 500 gallons (1893 L) water capacity or less serving occupancies in Use Group R-3. 2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP gas.