Outdoor burning rules in Charleston, WV — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Charleston restricts open burning under Chapter 16, prohibiting trash and refuse burning within city limits and limiting recreational fires to small contained pits. The Charleston Fire Department and WV Division of Forestry both regulate seasonal burn restrictions.
Under Charleston Code Chapter 16 (Fire Code) and the WV State Fire Code, open burning of household trash, leaves, and construction debris is prohibited within Charleston city limits because of air-quality and fire risk in dense neighborhoods. Small recreational fires for cooking or warmth are allowed in approved containers such as metal fire pits with screens, located safely away from structures. The West Virginia Division of Forestry imposes statewide spring (March 1 to May 31) and fall (October 1 to December 31) burn restrictions limiting outdoor burning to between 5 PM and 7 AM. The Charleston Fire Department may issue total burn bans during drought or hazardous conditions.
Illegal trash burning can result in fines, fire department response charges, reckless-burning misdemeanor charges, and air-quality penalties from state regulators.
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See how Charleston's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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