Frequently Asked Questions
Burning and the 4 p.m. Law
Find out if there is a local burning restriction in your area.
- What is the 4 p.m. Law?
- When is the 4 p.m. Law in effect?
- Why is there a 4 p.m. Law?
- Why 4 o'clock?
- What is the main cause of wildfires in Virginia?
- How many wildfires burn in Virginia each year and how many acres are burned?
- Can I have a campfire if I put rocks around it?
- 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?
- What is the penalty for violating the 4 p.m. Law?
- Can I use my charcoal or gas fire fired barbeque grill?
- Are building contractors and road construction jobs exempt from the 4 p.m. law?
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 ΒΌ" 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.
Last modified: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 15:52:14 EDT