Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Newport News, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Newport News, 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

Trash Burning
Prohibited
Recreational Fires
Allowed in approved containers
Burn Permit
May be required for yard waste
Authority
City Code Ch. 16 / VA DEQ

Summary

Newport News regulates open burning under Chapter 16 of the City Code (Fire Prevention). Open burning of trash is prohibited. Recreational fires and yard waste burning may be allowed under specific conditions with a burn permit from the fire department.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, during the period February 15 through April 30 of each year, even though the precautions required by the foregoing subsection have been taken, it shall be unlawful, in any county or city or portion thereof organized for forest fire control under the direction of the State Forester, for any person to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any brush, leaves, grass, debris or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material capable of spreading fire, located in or within 300 feet of any woodland, brushland, or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material, except between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any fires which may be set to prevent damage to orchards or

Source: Newport News Code Ch. 16 — Fire PreventionView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Newport News Code Chapter 16, open burning is regulated by the fire department. Burning of household trash and construction debris is prohibited. Small recreational fires for cooking or warmth may be allowed in approved containers. Yard waste burning may require a permit. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) burn regulations also apply. The fire department may issue burn bans during dry conditions.

Violations & Fines

Open burning violations result in fire department citations. Burning during burn bans or without required permits carries fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn yard waste in Newport News?
Yard waste burning may be allowed with a permit from the fire department. Burning household trash is prohibited.
Are campfires allowed?
Small recreational fires in approved containers are generally allowed. Check for burn bans before burning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Newport News

All Newport News rules

How Newport News compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview

Get notified when Outdoor Burning in Newport News, VA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.