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Burn
Regulations
NO OPEN
FIRE BURNING UNTIL AFTER 4:00 P.M. AS OF
FEB.15TH 2008
Frequently asked questions:
What is the 4 p.m. Law?
The 4 p.m. Law is a ban (or restriction) on
open air burning before 4 o'clock in the
afternoon if your fire is within 300 feet of
the woods or dry grass which can carry the
fire to the woods. You are allowed to burn
between 4 p.m and midnight as long as you
take proper care and precaution and attend
your fire at all times.
When is the
4 p.m. Law in effect?
The law goes into effect on February 15th
each year and runs through April 30th.
Why is
there a 4 p.m. Law?
The 4 p.m. Law was adopted during the 1940's
to reduce the number of wildfires which
occurred each spring. During this time of
the year, Virginia traditionally has an
increased number of fires. During the winter
months, winds are usually elevated, the
relative humidity is lower and the fuels on
the forest floor are extremely dry, having
"cured" without having the tree leaves to
shade them.
Why 4
o'clock?
After 4 p.m., winds usually calm down and
the relative humidity levels are on the
increase, both of which reduce the potential
for a debris fire or any outdoor open air
fire to escape your control.
What is the
main cause of wildfires in Virginia?
Debris burning is the Number One cause of
wildfires, closely followed by intentionally
set or "arson" fires.
How many
wildfires burn in Virginia each year and how
many acres are burned?
Virginia has records which date back to
1925, and our 30 year average is 1,449 fires
for 8,338 acres per year. 1941 saw the most
fires with 3,697, and 1930 had the most
acreage burned at 333,023 acres.
Can I have
a campfire if I put rocks around it?
NO. Campfires are considered an open air
fire. A pit fire or campfire may be approved
if it meets ALL the following conditions:
Fire is BELOW GROUND LEVEL, continuously
monitored AND completely enclosed with
cinder blocks AND a ¼" or smaller metal
screen is placed over the enclosure. Extra
precautions should be taken to clear a
20-foot circle of all flammable materials
and have water and a shovel available.
If I take
all precautions with my fire after 4 p.m.
and it does escape and start a fire, am I
responsible for the suppression cost?
Yes. Although you may have taken all proper
precautions and obtained any locally
required permits, whoever started the fire
is responsible should the fire escape.
What is the
penalty for violating the 4 p.m. law?
Violation of the 4 p.m. law is a class 3
misdemeanor with a fine of not more than
$500.
Can I use
my charcoal or gas fire fired barbeque
grill?
Yes, however you must take proper care and
precaution by clearing all flammable
material from around it and you must stay
with it until it is completely extinguished
or turned off.
Are
building contractors and road construction
jobs exempt from the 4 p.m. law?
No, however if the burning operations are
greater than 300 feet from the woods or
flammable grass/vegetation which would allow
the fire to spread to the woods the 4 p.m.
law does not apply.
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