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- Controlled Burning (Land-Clearing or Silvicultural Fires - Permit Required) ** Prohibited Until October 1, 2009 **
- Bonfires (Ceremonial fires with a total fuel area greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height - Permit Required)
OVERVIEW
Open Burning Defined. The Fire Prevention Code defines "open burning" as the burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. For the purpose of this definition, a "chamber" shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues, or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open. By Fire Prevention Code definition, open burning does not include road flares, smudge pots, and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames or recreational fires.
Permit Required. When permitted under the requirements of the County of Fairfax Air Pollution Control Chapter (Chapter 103, Fairfax County Code), a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) is required for all bonfires and controlled burning operations in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna.
Permit Not Required. The permit requirements for open burning do not apply to recreational fires, outdoor solid fuel burning devices, and open-flame cooking devices. In addition, a permit is not required for the training of firefighters under the direction of the Chief of the Fire Department or for fires set by a public health or safety officer where a health or fire hazard cannot be abated by any other means.
General Prohibitions. In accordance with Fire Prevention Code, a person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless first approved by the Fire Marshal and conducted in accordance with the Fire Prevention Code and other applicable laws. Recreational fires shall be conducted in accordance with the Fire Prevention Code and other applicable laws. Furthermore, no person shall kindle nor authorize to be kindled nor maintain any permitted fire in such a manner that will endanger the property of another.
Guidelines. A code compliance guideline (CCG) is available for bonfires, controlled burning, and recreational fires. Each guideline outlines specific prohibitions, code requirements, and safety precautions to prevent the unwanted spread of fire that might endanger life and property.
Questions. For questions about open burning and recreational fires, contact the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849 during normal business hours.
Complaints. To report a complaint of illegal open burning, call 703-691-2131 anytime.
FIRE EMERGENCIES - CALL 911 |
4 P.M. BURN LAW
During the period February 15 through April 30 of each year (spring wildfire season), it shall be unlawful, in any county or city or portion thereof organized for forest fire control under the direction of the State Forester, for any person to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any brush, leaves, grass, debris or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material capable of spreading fire, located in or within 300 feet of any woodland, brushland, or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material, except between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and midnight. During spring wildfire season, 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. (Code of Virginia, §10.1-1142-B)
For additional information about the 4 p.m. Burn Law, local burn restrictions, and current fire information, please visit the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) website. |
CONTROLLED BURNING
Controlled burning, sometimes called silvicultural burning, is the destruction and reduction of land-clearing waste through an open burning process resulting from permitted land-clearing operations, agricultural operations, natural disasters, and may include the use of an Air Curtain Destructor (ACD) and/or a Pit Incinerator (PIT). Furthermore, the burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber is classified as open burning. Controlled burning is a form of open burning.
** Controlled Burning is Prohibited Until October 1, 2009 **
A Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) is required to conduct open burning. Get detailed information about Controlled Burning ... |
BONFIRES
A bonfire is an outdoor fire utilized primarily for ceremonial purposes that has a total fuel area of 3 feet or greater in diameter and 2 feet or greater in height. Furthermore, the burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber is classified as open burning. A bonfire is a form of open burning.
A Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) is required to kindle a bonfire. Get detailed information about Bonfires ... |
RECREATIONAL FIRES
A recreational fire is an outdoor fire burning of materials other than refuse for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes where the fuel burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill, or barbeque pit, and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
A Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) is not required to kindle a recreational fire. Get detailed information about Recreational Fires ... |
AIR QUALITY RESTRICTIONS
Controlled burning shall be prohibited during the months of May, June, July, August, and September of every year. In addition, during all other times of the year when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is greater than 150 ("Unhealthy" or "Code Red"), controlled burning shall be prohibited. During these dates and times, controlled burning permits issued by the Fairfax County Fire Marshal shall be become invalid and burning operations discontinued. For more information on air quality in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, visit the Air Quality Forecast section of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) website.
This prohibition does not apply to bonfires or recreational fires.
For detailed information on Virginia's air quality regulations restricting open burning, visit the open burning seasonal restrictions section of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's website.
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Office of the Fire Marshal Fire Inspections Branch 10700 Page Avenue Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Telephone: 703-246-4849 Fax: 703-246-4872 |
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