Beginning Friday, Virginia’s burn law goes into effect, with outdoor fires in or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or flammable material unlawful before 4 p.m. Fires must be completely out by midnight. This law remains in place until April 30. 

“Since forest fuels cure during the winter months,” the Virginia Department of Forestry states, “the danger of fire is higher in early spring than in summer when the forest and grasses are green with new growth.”

While the burn law has been an effective tool levied at the state level, the VDF warns to check fire laws at the local level to ensure actions are also in accordance with any county ordinances.

For more information and for complete copies of the law, contact the Department of Forestry in Gloucester at 804-693-2880 or visit www.dof.virginia.gov/laws/4pm-law.htm. ...