Gov. Kaine and Smokey Bear to Remind Virginians of the 4 p.m. Burning Law

Gov. Tim Kaine wants all Virginians to know that the low humidity and windy days that are characteristic of spring in Virginia increase the risk of wildland fire when combined with dry leaves, downed branches and brown grass found in the Commonwealth this time of year.

To help reduce the risk of wildland fires, Governor Kaine will meet with Smokey Bear on Tuesday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m. in Capitol Square to attach a 4 p.m. Burning Law bumper sticker to his vehicle to help draw attention to the dangers associated with wildland fires in the Commonwealth.

Virginia’s 4 p.m. Burning Law was established in the 1940s to prohibit open-air burning in or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials before 4 p.m. each day from Feb. 15 through April 30. The law also states that no additional fuel may be added to a fire after midnight. A violation of the law is a Class 3 misdemeanor that carries up to a $500 fine. If the fire escapes, the responsible person is also liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.

“The 4 p.m. Burning Law is one of the most effective tools we have in the prevention of wildland fires,” said Governor Kaine. “Last year, more than 36 percent (462 of the 1,267) of the wildland fires in Virginia last year were caused by people burning trash or yard debris. In addition to burning nearly 14,000 acres, wildland fires in Virginia in 2006 destroyed or damaged 14 homes and 48 other structures. Total losses exceeded $11 Million. Without the 4 p.m. Burning Law, the devastating effects of wildland fire would have been far worse.”

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Note: The Virginia Department of Forestry will have several pieces of fire fighting equipment and vehicles on hand for the Governor’s meeting with Smokey Bear.