New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 7, 2025

Virginia Burn Law goes into effect Feb. 15

By Community Member | February 10, 2015 11:34 am

The 75-day spring wildfire season in Virginia begins Sunday, Feb. 15, when the 4 p.m. Burn Law (which allows burning only between 4 p.m. and midnight) goes into effect.

“Wildfires in the Commonwealth are very weather dependent,” said state forester Bettina Ring. “Low humidity, dry fuels – such as leaves, grass and tree limbs – and gusty winds are prevalent this time of year. Even a relatively small fire can quickly get out of control and spread fast.”

Ring said that 37 percent of wildfires that occur in Virginia each year are caused by people burning trash or debris. Citizens are reminded to be extra careful with any open-air fire from now through April 30.

According to VDOF records, more than 95 percent of wildfires in Virginia each year are caused by humans and are preventable.

“The best thing people can do is to obey the law by not burning trash or debris before 4 p.m. each day during spring fire season,” Ring said. “Virginia’s 4 p.m. law has been in place since 1950 and is one of the best tools we have for reducing the threat of wildfires.”

John Miller, VDOF’s director of resource protection, said, “If wind speed is in excess of 20 miles per hour and humidity levels are below 30 percent, please don’t light a fire. The chances are high that the fire will escape and that’s a life safety issue for you, your family and your neighbors.”

Starting a fire before 4 p.m. during spring wildfire season is not only dangerous, but is also a Class 3 misdemeanor crime. A fine of not more than $500 along with financial liability for the cost of suppressing the fire and for damage caused to another’s property can also be imposed.

“The cost of battling a wildfire that escapes someone’s control can easily reach thousands of dollars,” Miller said. “And if your fire burns down the neighbor’s home or barn, you could be liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars for the property damage.”

To learn more about the spring wildfire season, the 4 p.m. Burn Law and alternatives to debris burning, go to www.dof.virginia.gov.