Fire pit rules in Chesterfield County, VA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fire pits are allowed without a permit if you burn only clean wood, keep the fire no larger than 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 2 feet high, stay 25 feet from combustibles, and attend it until fully out.
Chesterfield allows recreational fires in a fire pit, portable outdoor fireplace or chiminea using only clean, seasoned firewood, never leaves, trash or yard debris. The fire may not exceed 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 2 feet high and must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Keep it attended at all times with a hose or extinguisher available until it is out and no longer smoldering. No recreational burning is allowed May 1 through Sept. 30. Smoke that becomes a nuisance to neighbors can be ordered extinguished.
Unpermitted or nuisance open burning violates the county fire code; the fire marshal can order it extinguished, and violations carry misdemeanor fire-code penalties.
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