In Virginia, spring brings increased wildfire potential and a greater threat for escaped fires. Virginia’s spring wildland fire season and accompanying 4 p.m. burn law officially began on Feb. 15 and continues through April 30.

During this period, the law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. In addition to being tended at all times, fires started after 4 p.m. should not have additional material added to the burn after midnight.

If weather conditions become critical, localities often add further restrictions to outdoor burning at the town, city, and county levels. Be sure to check with local officials before burning.

Ninety-five percent of wildland fires in Virginia are human-caused. The majority of escaped fires result from people burning debris, such as accumulated brush piles or trash, on dry and windy days. Virginia Department of Forestry officials emph...