Vienna, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

The Town of Vienna enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) along with Fairfax County Chapter 62 open burning provisions, both of which sharply restrict residential open burning in incorporated and densely populated areas. Open burning of leaves, grass clippings, brush, construction debris, and household trash is effectively prohibited within the town. Residents must instead use Vienna's curbside brush and yard waste collection or the Fairfax County I-66 Transfer Station for disposal. Recreational fires are allowed only under strict conditions: contained in a permanent fire pit or portable appliance, smaller than three feet in diameter and two feet in height, burning only clean, dry, seasoned firewood (no yard waste, pressure-treated lumber, or trash), located at least twenty-five feet from any structure, combustible wall, or property line, and attended at all times by a competent adult with a means of extinguishment such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher immediately available. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be a minimum of fifteen feet from structures. Gas and propane fire features are treated more permissively but must still comply with manufacturer clearances. The Virginia 4 PM Burning Law (VA Code 10.1-1142) prohibits any outdoor burning before 4 PM within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass during the February 15 to April 30 spring fire season, and this applies throughout Fairfax County. The Virginia Department of Forestry or Fairfax County Fire Marshal may impose countywide burn bans during drought or elevated fire danger, during which even recreational fires may be suspended. Smoke that creates a nuisance to neighbors can trigger code enforcement regardless of whether the fire is otherwise legal. Violations may be cited as Class 3 misdemeanors under the SFPC.