Outdoor Burning: Fairfax vs Herndon
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fairfax, VA and Herndon, VA?
Fairfax has fewer restrictions than Herndon.
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County
The City of Fairfax follows Virginia's 4 PM Burning Law during spring fire season (February 15 through April 30), which prohibits open burning before 4 PM within 300 feet of woodland. The Virginia Department of Forestry may declare additional burn bans during drought. The City Fire Marshal may issue local bans during elevated fire danger or air quality alerts. All open burning of yard waste is already prohibited in the city.
View full Fairfax rules →Herndon, VA
Fairfax County
Open burning in Herndon is tightly restricted. The Virginia 4 PM Burning Law (VA Code §10.1-1142) prohibits burning before 4 PM from February 15 through April 30 within 300 feet of woodland. Burning of trash, leaves, and construction debris is banned year-round. Only small recreational fires of clean wood are generally allowed without a permit.
View full Herndon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfax | Herndon |
|---|---|---|
| Fact | 4 PM Burning Law applies February 15 through April 30 annually | 4 PM Burning Law: no burn before 4 PM, Feb 15-Apr 30, within 300 ft of woodland |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfax FAQ
Does the 4 PM law apply to my backyard fire pit?
Only if the fire is within 300 feet of woodland or brushland. In most built-up parts of Fairfax city, the 300 ft woodland trigger is not met, but check your surroundings before burning.
How do I find out if a burn ban is in effect?
Check the Virginia Department of Forestry website, the City of Fairfax Fire Marshal page, and local news. Sign up for city emergency alerts for real-time notifications.
Are gas grills affected by burn bans?
Typically no, but during extreme fire danger or Red Flag Warnings the Fire Marshal may extend restrictions to include gas cooking appliances used outdoors.
Herndon FAQ
When can I legally burn brush in Herndon?
Open brush burning is heavily restricted in Herndon. Even outside spring fire season, urban air quality rules generally prohibit burning leaves and yard debris. Bagged collection through Public Works is the expected disposal method.
What is the Virginia 4 PM Burning Law?
VA Code §10.1-1142 prohibits outdoor burning before 4:00 PM from February 15 through April 30 whenever the fire is within 300 feet of woodland or dry grass. It applies statewide including in Herndon.
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