Henrico County, VA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Before burning
- Cut and pile or clear around
- Recreational fire clearance
- 25 feet of combustibles removed
- Ongoing duty
- Control fire until fully out
- During drought
- All open burning prohibited
- Standing defensible-space rule
- None countywide
Summary
Before burning brush, grass, or debris, Henrico requires you to cut and pile it or clear the ground around it and control the fire until fully out. For a recreational fire, all combustibles within 25 feet of a structure must be removed first.
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or in combustible material conditions that could cause a fire to spread. All unsafe combustible material and vegetation conditions within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to recreational fire ignition.
Full Breakdown
Section 11-18 makes it unlawful to burn brush, grass, leaves, or debris unless you have cut and piled the material, or carefully cleared around it, or taken other precautions to prevent fire spread, and control the fire until it is completely burned out. For recreational fires, the Fire Marshal requires that all unsafe combustible material and vegetation within 25 feet of a structure be eliminated before ignition. Henrico imposes no California-style standing defensible-space mandate; the clearance duties attach to the act of burning, plus § 11-19 drought bans.
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear or control a burn is unlawful under § 11-18; during a declared drought all open fires are banned under § 11-19. Enforced by the fire chief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Henrico require defensible space around my home?
What must I do before burning brush?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henrico County
Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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