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Suffolk, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Suffolk, 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

Summer Ban
No burning May-September
Debris Permit
Fire Marshal required
Setback
300-500 ft from buildings
Never Burn
Garbage, tires, construction debris
4 PM Law
Feb 15-Apr 30

Summary

Suffolk prohibits open burning entirely from May through September, requires a Fire Marshal permit for debris burning, and bars burning within 300 feet of occupied buildings. Garbage, tires, and construction waste may never be burned.

Subsections (a) through (d) of this section notwithstanding, no owner or other person must cause or permit open burning or the use of a special incineration device during May, June, July, August or September.

Source: Suffolk Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Suffolk's open-burning ordinance (City Code Sec. 38-106 through 38-112) bans burning garbage, tires, petroleum materials, hazardous waste, and construction or demolition debris. Leaves and yard trimmings may be burned only on-site, at least 300 feet from any occupied building, and only where no collection service is available. Debris burning needs a Fire Marshal permit and must sit 500 feet from occupied buildings. Under Sec. 38-110(e), no open burning is allowed during May, June, July, August, or September. Virginia's 4 PM Law (VA Code Sec. 10.1-1142) also bars burning before 4 p.m. from February 15 to April 30.

Violations & Fines

Any open-burning violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Sec. 38-112, punishable by a fine up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail. Burning during an air-quality alert must stop immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves in my Suffolk yard?
Only outside May-September, on your own lot, 300+ feet from occupied buildings, and where no yard-waste collection is available. Burning is also blocked before 4 p.m. from Feb 15-Apr 30.
Do I need a burn permit in Suffolk?
Yes for debris waste and special incineration devices; obtain one from the Fire Marshal's Office beforehand. Recreational fires and small yard burns follow the size and setback rules instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Suffolk

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSome Restrictions

All Suffolk rules

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

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