Local Burn Restrictions

Fall Wildfire Season

October 15 - November 30
Conditions are ripe for wildfires this time of year.

Spring Wildfire Season

February 15 - April 30
During this period, the 4PM Burn Law is in effect.

Localities with outdoor fire restrictions

We list information here as a courtesy; however, always check with your local fire department or Sheriff's office prior to burning.

Cities and Towns

• Charlottesville, City of: All open burning within the city is prohibited. Questions? Contact the Charlottesville Fire Marshal before any burning.
• Suffolk, City of: All open burning is prohibited.
• Chilhowie, Town of (Smyth County) The Town's Open Burn Ordinance prohibits open burning except in areas of Town zoned agricultural. Any permissible open burning must have a permit from the fire department. Residents can contact the fire department for questions or to obtain a permit. The telephone number is 276.646.3131.

Counties in Virginia

• Arlington County: All open burning is prohibited without a permit from the Fire Marshal.
• Caroline County: All open burning is prohibited.
• Fairfax County: All open burning is prohibited without a permit from the Fire Marshal.
• Newport News: All open burning is prohibited.
• Roanoke County: Roanoke County bans burning in populated sections of the county and requires a burning permit in remaining areas. Residents should check with Fire Marshall.
• Stafford County: All open burning is prohibited [2011-02-17].
• York County: All open burning is prohibited [2011-02-17].

Shenandoah National Park Firewood Ban

The Shenandoah National Park (SNP) bans campers from bringing firewood into the park. The ban on bringing firewood into the SNP is an attempt to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. The small beetle is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees.

4PM Burn Law and Burning

Read our Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Burn? to learn more and help prevent forest fires.

Last modified: Thursday, 12-Jan-2012 15:41:31 EST