Fire Laws

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is charged with enforcing Virginia’s forest fire laws. Agency Commissioned Special Forest Wardens share this responsibility with numerous other agency duties, and are unique in the fact that they are both firefighters and law enforcement officials.  

Virginia law holds outdoor burners responsible for their fires and the impacts of those fires. Burners must stay with their fire at all times and totally extinguish the fire before leaving the area. 

4 PM Burning Law

The 4 Pm Burning Law is in effect February 15 to April 30, restricting open air burning until after 4:00 p.m.

Learn more about the 4 PM Burning Law.

Burning Restrictions

Local counties and cities may impose their own restrictions, such as bans on burning during high fire danger weather and drought. Always check with local officials about local burn restrictions.

Learn more about Burning Restrictions.


Additional Resources

Learn more about the specific laws related to fire in the Code of Virginia.

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign

Sign/flier notifies that the 4PM Burning Law is in effect and provides a brief description of the burning law (8.5 in. x 14 in.).

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsedocument
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign - Spanish
4PM Burning Law in Effect and Burning Law in Brief Sign – Spanish

Sign/flier notifies that the 4PM Burning Law is in effect and provides a brief description of the burning law (8.5 in. x 14 in.). Spanish

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsedocument
4PM Burning Law in Effect Sign - Spanish
4PM Burning Law in Effect Sign – Spanish

Sign/flier notifies that the 4PM Burning Law is in effect (8.5 in. x 11 in.). Spanish

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsedocument
Outdoor Fire Laws
Outdoor Fire LawsP00107

Brochure provides an overview, as well as detailed fire law information in the Commonwealth of Virginia, encouraging citizens to know the forest fire laws and local ordinances before burning, and safety tips for burning. Printed copies available.

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Virginia's Forestry Laws
Virginia’s Forestry LawsP00002

Pocket guide provides detailed information about the forestry laws in Virginia, including general forestry laws, forest fire laws and penalties, certified prescribed burn manager laws, seed tree laws, riparian forest buffer tax credit laws, debris in streams laws and penalties, silvicultural water quality laws and penalties, and more. Printed copies available.

Viewfire-and-emergency-responsepublication

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