Virginia's statewide burn restrictions to take effect
VIRGINIA () — It's that time of the year again, and the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announced the state's '4 PM Burning Law' will take effect on Feb. 15.
Starting on Saturday, any open-air burning before 4 p.m. will be prohibited across the Commonwealth. However, all burning after 4 p.m. until midnight each night is allowed, as long as the fire is monitored, at all times.
Officials said if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass it can cause a fire to ignite.
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The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills. But, open-air charcoal grills must comply with the law.
'Even if a person takes all proper precautions and obtains any locally required permits, whoever started the fire is responsible for suppressions costs should the fire escape. Violation of the 4 PM Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500,' said the DOF on its website.
According to the DOF, the 4 PM Burning Law was adopted during the 1940s to reduce wildfires in the spring across Virginia.
The department said fires are most likely to occur during later winter and early spring because winds are usually elevated. During this time, the humidity is low and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry. After 4 p.m., winds typically calm down and the humidity level rises.
The 4 PM Burning Law will remain in place until April 30.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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