Loudoun County, VA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Loudoun County, VA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Seasonal ban
- May 1–Sept 30, open burning generally
- Campfire exception
- allowed, 50 ft from structure
- Campfire size
- up to 3 ft dia x 2 ft ht
- Bonfire size
- up to 5 ft x 5 ft, 3-hr max
- Attendance
- person 18+, extinguisher on hand
- Notification
- Emergency Comm. Center (campfires exempt)
Summary
Loudoun County bans general open burning from May 1 through September 30, but its Fire Prevention Code carves out an exception for campfires kept at least 50 feet from a structure. Campfires are capped at 3 feet by 2 feet and bonfires at 5 feet by 5 feet with a 3-hour limit, and every fire needs an adult attendant with extinguishing gear on hand.
307.1 Prohibited Open Burning: 1. Between May 1 and September 30, open burning is prohibited. Exception: Campfires are allowed provided they are located no closer than 50 feet from a structure. ... Campfire: An outdoor recreational fire, no larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height and used for cooking purposes. Bonfire: An outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes. Bonfires must consist of seasoned wood, piled neatly, no more than 5 feet in diameter by 5 feet in height ... Bonfires shall not burn longer than 3 hours. ... 307.3 Attendance. Allowable open burning, to include bonfires or recreational fires shall be constantly attended by responsible, competent persons over the age of 18 years old as may be necessary to contain the fire until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Full Breakdown
1(1) exempts campfires so long as they sit no closer than 50 feet from a structure. 2 at the same 50-foot separation, and the Fire Marshal can approve a larger or longer bonfire on request. 3 requires any allowable open burning, including campfires and bonfires, to be constantly attended by a responsible person at least 18 years old until fully extinguished, with a portable fire extinguisher rated at least 4-A, or equivalent tools such as a hose, water barrel, or sand, kept ready. 4 requires notifying the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center before and after most open burning, though campfires are specifically excepted from that call requirement. 05 makes any Fire Prevention Code violation a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Burning outside the size limits, skipping the 50-foot setback from a structure, leaving a backyard fire unattended, or failing to keep extinguishing equipment on hand violates §§ 307.1–307.3 of the Fire Prevention Code. The Fire Marshal can order the fire extinguished under § 307.5, and any violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 1602.05, punishable under Chapter 202.08(b) of the Codified Ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a campfire in my backyard in July even though open burning is banned then?
How big can my backyard fire be?
Do I need to watch the fire the whole time?
Do I have to call the county before lighting a backyard fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Loudoun County
How Loudoun County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Loudoun County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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