7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Portable fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces are permitted in Fairfax County. Under Fire Prevention Code §307.4.4, they may not be stored on a balcony or deck of a multi-family structure or within 15 feet of combustible construction, except for detached single-family and townhouses.
Although Virginia legalized consumer fireworks statewide in 2021, Fairfax County exercises its authority under VA Code §27-97 to prohibit the sale, possession, and discharge of all consumer fireworks within the County. Only sparklers, fountains, pharaoh's serpents, caps, and snakes that do not explode or travel are permitted. Violation of Fairfax County Code Chapter 62 is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Fairfax County does not impose formal defensible-space or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) brush clearance distances like western states, but overgrown vegetation can be abated under County Code Chapter 119 (Air Pollution) and property maintenance ordinances. Grass over 12 inches on improved lots is a violation. VDOF and Fire Marshal recommend voluntary Firewise USA practices near wooded areas of Great Falls, Clifton, and western Fairfax.
Fairfax County does not permit open burning of yard waste year-round under Chapter 119 (Air Pollution Control). Virginia's statewide 4 PM Burning Law (§10.1-1142) applies February 15 through April 30 within 300 feet of woodland. The Virginia Department of Forestry and the Fairfax County Fire Marshal can impose additional burn bans during drought or elevated fire danger.
Fairfax County is not designated as a high-risk wildfire zone but borders Manassas Battlefield and stream-valley parks where seasonal brush fires occur; FCFRD coordinates with Virginia Department of Forestry on prevention and burn-ban enforcement.
Fairfax County requires smoke alarms in all residential dwellings under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and Statewide Fire Prevention Code. New construction requires hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story. Existing homes must have working alarms per SFPC Section 1103. Rental properties require functional alarms before occupancy.
Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code limits residential propane storage based on tank size and location, requiring permits for cylinders over 125 gallons water capacity and prohibiting indoor storage of cylinders larger than one pound capacity.
3 cities in Fairfax County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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