Prince William County, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Prince William 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
- Permit
- Required, 72 hours advance
- Feb 15 – Apr 30
- Burn only 4 p.m.–midnight
- May – Sept
- Rec fires & bonfires only
- State burn law
- VA Code § 10.1-1142
- DEQ air rule
- 9VAC5-130
Summary
Open burning requires a Fire Marshal permit, applied for at least 72 hours ahead. From February 15 to April 30, burning is only allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight under Virginia's forest-fire law. May through September, only recreational fires and bonfires are allowed due to DEQ air rules.
It shall be unlawful, in any county or city or portion thereof organized for forest fire control... for any person to set fire to... any brush, leaves, grass, debris or field... 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.
Full Breakdown
In Prince William County a person may not kindle open burning, combustion emitted directly to the air without a stack or chimney, unless approved and permitted by the Fire Marshal's Office (apply and pay at least 72 hours in advance). During Virginia's spring wildfire season, February 15 through April 30, VA Code § 10.1-1142 (the "4 p.m. Burn Law") bans outdoor fires near woodland before 4 p.m. From May through September, Virginia DEQ air-quality rules (9VAC5-130) prohibit most open burning; only recreational fires and permitted bonfires are allowed. Notify the county Communications Center at 703-792-6500 before and after burning.
Violations & Fines
The fire code official is authorized to order extinguishment of unlawful or hazardous open burning; permits may be revoked and violations of the forest-fire burn law carry misdemeanor penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I burn brush in the morning during spring?
Can I burn leaves in the summer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
How Prince William County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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