Burning Law goes into effect Friday, Feb. 15

The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15 – Apr. 30, prohibiting burning before 4 p.m. each day.

A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property.

To learn more about this law, visit www.dof.virginia.gov/laws/outdoor-fire-laws.htm.

If you have any questions regarding when and where to burn, or need advice on a burn situation, contact your local fire department or Montgomery County Emergency Services Coordinator Neal Turner, 394-2146.

Burning Laws in Brief

  • No burning until after 4:00 p.m. February 15 through April 30 of each year, if the fire is in or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or field containing dry grass or other flammable material.
  • Fire shall not be left unattended if within 150 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass.
  • No new fires set or fuel added after midnight.
  • Law applies to campfires, warming fires, brush piles, leaves, household trash, stumps, fields of broomstraw and brush or anything capable of spreading fire.
  • The law provides for a penalty of up to $500, plus payment of court costs and fire suppression costs if the fire escapes.

From NRVNews.com