VDOF ‘No burning law’ goes into effect February 15

Smoke fills the air as a fire off The New Road in Charles City consumed one acre of a field and forest land. A summons was issued for careless cause of a fire here and a similar incident in New Kent on Wedgewood Drive.

Virginia’s “No burning law” goes into effect on Feb. 15, the start of spring fire season.

The commonwealth’s law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day until April 30 if the fire is within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

“This law is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent wildfires,” said John Miller, director of resource protection at the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). “Each late winter and early spring, downed trees, branches and leaves become ‘forest fuels’ that increase the danger of a forest fire.

“By adhering to the law and burning between 4 p.m. and midnight only, people are less likely to start a fire that threatens them, their property, and the forests of Virginia,” he concluded.

In addition to open burning large piles of leaves and yard waste, debris burning in metal barrels has been the major source of wildland fires this past year.

“If flames and sparks are flying out of the barrel, that increases the chance they’ll land in dry grass or leaves and start a wildfire,” said Paul Reier, technician in James City, Charles City and New Kent Counties.

“Be sure the barrel is secure and won’t tip over, causing the fire to spill out,” Rier added. “Stay with the debris barrel while the fire is burning, and be sure to properly and safely dispose of the ashes.”

Reier advises that metal barrels should be in good condition – not weak with rust or full of holes. A mesh wire screen, with openings of a quarter inch or less, should cover the top of the barrel.

Violating this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. In addition to the criminal violation, the offender may be held liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property.

To learn more about how to protect yourself and your property, visit www.dof.virginia.gov or call Paul Reier at 966-2209, ext. 107.