Virginia Beach, VA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Virginia Beach, VA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code § 12-4
- Monitoring
- Must be watched until fully extinguished
- Permit fee
- $50 per open burning/bonfire event
- Enforcement
- Fire chief can order it extinguished
- Beach fires
- Banned outright under § 12-5
Summary
Virginia Beach allows open burning and backyard bonfires only under the state fire code, requires constant monitoring with extinguishing gear ready, and lets the fire chief order any fire out that becomes a hazard or nuisance.
Open burning, where permitted by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, shall be constantly monitored until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate use. The fire chief shall prohibit open burning, otherwise lawful, when smoke may cause reduced visibility on any highway, or when emissions or odors may constitute a hazard or nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 12-4 allows open burning, including backyard bonfires, only where the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code permits it, and requires it to be constantly monitored until fully extinguished, with fire extinguishing equipment on hand the entire time. The fire chief can order an otherwise-lawful fire put out if smoke reduces highway visibility, fumes create a hazard or nuisance, or nearby property is endangered. Open burning and bonfires also require a fire department permit, listed at $50 per event site under § 12-49.1(5).
Violations & Fines
Failing to monitor a fire, keep extinguishing equipment ready, or comply with a fire chief's order to extinguish it is enforced by the fire marshal; an open burning or bonfire permit runs $50 per event site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard bonfire in Virginia Beach?
Can the fire department make me put out a legal backyard fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
How Virginia Beach compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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