4 PM Burn Law Goes Into Effect 2018 (click to download)

Kevin J. McGee Chief

COUNTY OF PRINCE WILLIAM

1 County Complex Court (MC470), Prince William, Virginia 22192-9201 (703) 792-6800  Metro 631-1703, Ext. 6800, FAX 792-7691

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE & RESCUE

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                    Contact:  Kim Y. Hylander

February 13, 2018                                                              Communications Specialist

Office: (703) 792-6162

E-mail: khylander@pwcgov.org

4 P.M. Burn Law Goes Into Effect

On Thursday, February 15th, the Commonwealth’s 4:00 p.m. burn law goes into effect. The law remains in effect until Monday, April 30th. Approved burning may take place between 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight only.

The law prohibits open air burning before the hours of 4:00 p.m. daily if your fire is in or within 300 feet of the woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. During this time, winds can be elevated and the relative humidity is lower; the forest/field floor fuels are extremely dry, having “cured” without tree leaves to shade them. Typically, by 4:00 p.m. the winds are calmer and the relative humidity begins to increase.  This ban applies to all open burning, including campfires.

Remember, illegal burning is a violation of Virginia and County Code, and may result in criminal misdemeanor charges with penalties up to one year in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. For more information on open burning please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (703) 792- 6360 or visit us online at  http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/FR/fmo/Pages/Burning-Regulations.aspx.