Fire Regulations in Arlington County, VA (2026)

5 rules for unincorporated Arlington County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Arlington County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Arlington County allows permanently built outdoor fireplaces, bar-b-ques, and recreational fires under the Fire Prevention Code, but limits fuel to seasoned dry firewood, charcoal, or similar clean-burning material and bars fires that endanger people or property.

Arlington County Recreational Fire and Fire Pit Rules

Some Restrictions

Arlington County Code §§ 8.1-307.4.4, 8.1-307.6, 8.1-307.8 (Fire Prevention Code)

307.4.4 Permanently constructed outdoor fireplaces and bar-b-ques. Permanently constructed outdoor fireplaces and bar-b-ques shall be permitted, installed, and maintained in accordance with the applicable building code. 307.6 Endangering other persons or property. No person shall kindle, authorize to be kindled or maintain any permitted fire in such a manner that could endanger the person or pr...

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Fireworks

Arlington County bans manufacturing, transporting, storing, selling, or discharging fireworks anywhere in the county, and prohibits all fireworks use on public property, even for the state's permissible-fireworks list.

Arlington County Bans Consumer Fireworks Use

Heavy Restrictions

Arlington County Code §§ 8.1-5608.1, 8.1-5608.1.1, 8.1-5608.1.2 (Fire Prevention Code)

5608.1.1 Prohibited activities. Except as provided for in section 5608, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, possess, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale or to buy, use, ignite, or explode any fireworks within Arlington County. Fireworks that explode or emit flames or sparks to a distance greater than twelve (12) feet or which are project...

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Outdoor Burning

Arlington County's Fire Prevention Code flatly bans burning leaves and yard waste anywhere in the county, and separately prohibits any open burning that produces hazardous smoke or odor, as judged by the fire code official.

Arlington County Bans Burning Leaves and Yard Waste

Heavy Restrictions

Arlington County Code §§ 8.1-307.1.2, 8.1-307.1.3 (Fire Prevention Code)

307.1.2 Burning of leaves and yard waste. The burning of leaves and yard waste is prohibited. 307.1.3 Objectionable smoke, odor or hazard. Burning that produces smoke or odor emissions, which create a hazard, as determined by the fire code official, or when atmospheric or local circumstances make such fires hazardous, shall be prohibited.

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Smoke Detectors

Arlington County's Fire Prevention Code requires landlords to certify working smoke alarms to tenants at move-in, at every lease renewal, and at least annually, and to repair or replace a malfunctioning alarm within 5 days of written notice.

Arlington County Smoke Alarm Landlord Duties

Some Restrictions

Arlington County Code § 8.1-907.8.5.2 (Fire Prevention Code)

907.8.5.2 Responsibilities of owner, agent, or tenants for smoke alarms. 1. The owner or management agent of a dwelling unit which is rented or leased in a residential building containing one (1) or more dwelling units, shall furnish the tenant at the beginning of each tenancy, at each renewal or extension of a tenancy and at least annually, written certification that all required smoke alarms ...

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Propane Storage

Arlington County's Fire Prevention Code requires a permit for storing or using LP-gas (propane) inside any structure, and for outdoor storage or use per event or per year, in any amount. One- and two-family detached dwellings and townhouses are exempt.

Arlington County LP-Gas Storage Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Arlington County Code § 8.1-107.2, Table 107.2 (Fire Prevention Fees and Detailed Permit Requirements)

LP-Gas: Storage and/or use inside any structure – any amount Exception: One and two-family detached single family dwellings and townhouses. LP-Gas: Storage and/or use outside, per event - any amount (30-day permit) Exception: 1. Mobile Food Units (MFU) with a valid MFU permit 2. One and two-family detached single family dwellings and townhouses. LP-Gas: Storage and/or use outside, per year – an...

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All Arlington County ordinances

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