Outdoor burning rules in Fairfax, 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.
The City of Fairfax follows Virginia's 4 PM Burning Law during spring fire season (February 15 through April 30), which prohibits open burning before 4 PM within 300 feet of woodland. The Virginia Department of Forestry may declare additional burn bans during drought. The City Fire Marshal may issue local bans during elevated fire danger or air quality alerts. All open burning of yard waste is already prohibited in the city.
Virginia Code Section 10.1-1142 establishes the 4 PM Burning Law, prohibiting open-air burning between February 15 and April 30 between midnight and 4 PM when the fire is within 300 feet of any woodland, brushland, or field containing dry grass or combustible material. This iconic Virginia regulation addresses the spring fire season when humidity drops, winds pick up, and dry leaf litter from the previous autumn becomes highly flammable. Within the City of Fairfax, open burning of leaves, brush, and yard debris is already prohibited year-round by local ordinance, so the 4 PM law primarily affects recreational fires and any small agricultural activities in the city. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has statewide authority to declare emergency burn bans during drought, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issues air quality action days when particulate levels are elevated. The City of Fairfax Fire Marshal may impose additional local restrictions based on local conditions, posting notices on the city website and through emergency alerts. Violations of the 4 PM law are Class 3 misdemeanors with fines up to 500 dollars, and persons responsible for escaped fires are liable for suppression costs. During burn bans, even gas grills may be restricted depending on the severity of fire danger.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fairfax County.
See how other cities in Fairfax County handle outdoor burning.
See how Fairfax's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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