Virginia Statewide Rule
Virginia 4 PM Burning Law for Outdoor Fires
Key Facts
- Statute
- Va. Code 10.1-1142
- Restricted Period
- Feb 15 to April 30
- Time Allowed
- After 4:00 PM only
- Distance
- Within 300 feet of woods
Summary
Virginia prohibits outdoor burning before 4 PM from February 15 through April 30 each year when fire is within 300 feet of woods, brushland, or fields containing dry grass under the statewide 4 PM Burning Law.
§ 10.1-1142 . Regulating the burning of woods, brush, etc.; penalties. A. It shall be unlawful for any owner or lessee of land to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material upon such land unless he previously has taken all reasonable care and precaution, by having cut and piled the same or carefully cleared around the same, to prevent the spread of such fire to lands other than those owned or leased by him. It shall also be unlawful for any employee of any such owner or lessee of land to set fire to or to procure another to set fire to any woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material, upon such land unless he has taken similar precautions to prevent the spread of such fire to any other land. 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.
Full Breakdown
Virginia Code Section 10.1-1142 establishes the 4 PM Burning Law applying statewide each spring fire season. Between February 15 and April 30, no person may set fire or allow fire to spread within 300 feet of any woods, brushland, or field containing dry grass or other flammable material before 4:00 PM. Burning is permitted after 4 PM if the fire is constantly attended and extinguished before leaving. The statute applies regardless of local rules and is enforced by the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Violations & Penalties
Violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. Violators are also liable for suppression costs and damages caused by escaped fires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 4 PM Burning Law apply to backyard fire pits?
Are there exemptions to Virginia's 4 PM Burning Law?
Sources
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