Loudoun County, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Loudoun County, VA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- 4 PM Law
- Feb 15 to Apr 30
- Setback
- 300 ft from buildings
- Banned
- Trash, tires, construction debris
- Permit
- VDOF/Fire Marshal for ag
- State Law
- VA §10.1-1142
Summary
Loudoun prohibits open burning of trash, construction debris, and yard waste within 300 feet of occupied buildings. VA 4 PM Law applies Feb 15 to Apr 30. Burn permit required from VDOF for agricultural burns.
unlawful for any owner or lessee of land to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material upon such land unless he previously has taken all reasonable care and precaution, by having cut and piled the same or carefully cleared around the same, to prevent the spread of such fire to lands other than those owned or leased by him. It shall also be unlawful for any employee of any such owner or lessee of land to set fire to or to procure another to set fire to any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material, upon such land unless he has taken similar precautions to prevent the spread of such fire to any other land. B.
Full Breakdown
Outdoor burning in Loudoun County is regulated under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, VDEQ air quality rules (9 VAC 5-130), and Virginia's 4 PM Burning Law (VA Code §10.1-1142). Open burning is prohibited within 300 feet of occupied buildings without permit. During February 15 through April 30, burning is prohibited before 4 PM within 300 feet of woodland. Burning of garbage, tires, treated lumber, plastics, construction debris, and wire insulation is prohibited year-round. Agricultural burns (crop residue, pasture management) require coordination with VDOF and may need a Loudoun Fire Marshal burn permit. Data center construction sites may not burn debris. Burns must be attended and extinguished fully.
Violations & Fines
4 PM Law: up to $500 (Class 3 misdemeanor). Illegal burning (prohibited materials): $250-$1,000. Burning during bans/air quality alerts: up to $1,000 plus potential criminal charges under VA §18.2-86.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating outdoor burning rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Loudoun County
How Loudoun County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Loudoun County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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