Virginia Beach, VA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Virginia Beach is incorporated as an independent city covering the entire former Princess Anne County, so its urban and suburban zones are subject to Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) Section 307 and local amendments in Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 12 (Fire Protection). Routine open burning of leaves, grass, and household trash is prohibited city-wide. Permitted without a permit: (1) recreational campfires no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, burning only clean seasoned wood, kept at least 25 feet from any structure and continuously attended with water or an extinguisher; and (2) cooking fires in approved grills, fire pits, and chimineas. A Fire Marshal permit is required for bonfires, ceremonial fires, training burns, and any open burn over 3 feet. The Virginia 4 PM Burning Law (Va. Code section 10.1-1142) prohibits any outdoor burning before 4 PM between February 15 and April 30 when within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass, even if the activity would otherwise be lawful. Penalties include a Class 3 misdemeanor for state law violations (up to $500) and suppression cost recovery if the fire escapes. Code red (dry, windy) days trigger additional temporary bans announced by the Fire Marshal. Gas-fueled appliances, portable outdoor fireplaces rated UL 2034, and charcoal grills fall outside the open-burning definition but must still be kept away from combustible siding and decks.