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Virginia Open Burning Rules (2026)
Restricted: Statewide '4 PM Burning Law' (Feb 15–Apr 30) bans open-air burning before 4 PM within 300 ft of woods/dry grass; burning allowed 4 PM–midnight if attended.
Statewide '4 PM Burning Law' (Feb 15–Apr 30) bans open-air burning before 4 PM within 300 ft of woods/dry grass; burning allowed 4 PM–midnight if attended. Outside that season open burning is permitted with precautions; localities may add bans. No state permit, but check locality.
Official source: dof.virginia.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- District of ColumbiaRestricted
Open burning is prohibited in the District of Columbia under 20 DCMR § 604, with limited exceptions (recreational/cooking fires, certain official uses).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: doee.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
- KentuckyConditional
During Forest Fire Hazard Seasons (Feb 15–Apr 30 and Oct 1–Dec 15) it is illegal to burn within 150 ft of woodland/brushland from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Only natural plant matter may be burned; no state permit, but local rules apply.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: eec.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandConditional
In or within 200 ft of woodland, open air burning is allowed only 4 p.m.–midnight (anytime if snow-covered) with a 10-ft cleared firebreak, on-site supervision, and equipment present. A DNR permit is required; burns over 1 acre need a burn plan.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- North CarolinaConditional
Only natural vegetation may be burned (never trash/man-made items). Yard-waste and land-clearing burns are allowed 8 a.m.-6 p.m. only. An NC Forest Service burn permit is required for vegetation fires more than 100 ft from a dwelling.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: deq.nc.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- TennesseeRestricted
From Oct 15–May 15, anyone burning open-air within 500 ft of forest, grassland, or woodland must by law get a free debris-burn permit from the Division of Forestry. Burning without one is a Class C misdemeanor. Container burns with a 1/2-inch mesh screen are exempt; cities may have stricter rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- West VirginiaRestricted
During spring (Mar 1–May 31) and fall (Oct 1–Dec 31) fire seasons, outdoor burning is banned 7 AM–5 PM; legal only 5 PM–7 AM with all fire out by 7 AM. Requires a cleared 10-ft safety ring and attendance; violation up to $1,000 fine. Allowed anytime with 1+ inch snow cover.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvforestry.com · Full West Virginia rule →
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