Open Burn Regulations

Open burning may only take place after those wishing to burn have first notified the Emergency Communications Center at (540) 775-2049.

For your convenience, King George County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (Fire & Rescue Department) is providing basic information on the County’s outdoor burning guidelines: Basically, there are two types of open burning, residential/recreational (yard waste, bonfires, etc.) and land clearing (debris waste).

Residential Burning

The burning of wood, brush, grass trimmings or leaves is permitted in all areas of the County, provided the following conditions are met:

1. The fire must be a minimum of 50 feet from any structure or building; AND
2. You MUST constantly attend the fire at all times; AND
3. Burning MUST be conducted in such a fashion as to minimize any nuisance to neighbors and ensure an adequate water supply, fire extinguisher and/or proper means to control the fire at any time. This includes cutting, clearing and piling debris to control the fire.

Land & Site Clearing Burning

Open burning for land and site clearing operations resulting from commercial, industrial, or residential development shall be approved by the Fire Prevention Division before any burning. A permit fee of $150 will be charged, and an on-site inspection may be required. The Fire Prevention Division Office can be contacted at (540) 775-8900.

Virginia 4 p.m. Burn Law

During the period between February 15th and April 30th of each year, open burning may only take place between the hours of 4:00 PM and midnight. Limited exceptions apply. This law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills. Users are still encouraged to take proper care and precaution by clearing all flammable material from around the grill and staying with it until it is completely extinguished or turned off.

Recreational Fires

Bonfires and campfires are permitted and shall be attended to at all times. If you must burn... follow these 10 Fire Safety Tips:

1. Burn responsibly! Contact the Emergency Communications Center, nonemergency line at (540) 775-2049 or your local Fire & Rescue Department.
2. Beware of power lines, trees, and structures.
3. Use of flammable liquids (gasoline) is prohibited. Clear all flammable materials, such as dry leaves and dry grass, from around the fire.
4. Have water and hand tools, such as a shovel and/or rake, available.
5. Have communication available (mobile phone) or have someone nearby who can call for help in case of an emergency.
6. Burn when the humidity is high and the wind is calm.
7. Burn between 4:00 p.m. and midnight. The 4 PM Burning Law is in effect from February 15 through April 30.
8. Stay with the fire until it is completely out.
9. Keep your debris piles small, adding to them as they burn down.
10. If you are using a burn barrel, make sure the barrel is in good condition and covered with a wire mesh screen. Clear all dry grass and weeds from around the barrel (at least 10 feet of clearance).

If the fire is beyond your control, STOP and CALL 911.

Prohibited Open Burning

1. Burning of toxic or hazardous materials or containers for such materials, rubber tires, asphaltic material, crankcase oil, impregnated wood, or other rubber or petroleum-based materials. Building, construction waste, demolition waste, and/or trade waste is prohibited at all times.
2. Burning of garbage, refuse, trash, rubbish, and other forms of liquid or solid waste is prohibited at all times. County residents must utilize the landfill/convenience centers for disposal of these materials. King George County, Department of Solid Waste & Recycling can be contacted at (540) 775-3267 or (540)-656-8661.
3. Open burning of leaves, grass, paper, brush, wood, or other materials or debris is prohibited within 1,000 feet of a school building while school is in session, unless written authorization is obtained from the County Fire Official.
4. Burning of structures or structure demolition debris is prohibited without obtaining prior written authorization in the form of a structure or structure demolition debris burn permit from the County Fire Official.
5. Open burning is prohibited during any declared local or state Burn Ban. 

Applicable Laws

1. King George County Code Chapter 6.5 Fire Prevention and Protection
2. Code of Virginia 10-1: Article 6. Forest Wardens and Fires
3. Code of Virginia 27-9: Chapter 9. Statewide Fire Prevention Code Act
4. 9VAC5-130: Agency 5. State Air Pollution Control Board » Chapter 130. Regulation for Open Burning

Contact Us (Non-Emergency)

Company 1 (Courthouse) Headquarters
540-775-8900

fireprevention@co.kinggeorge.state.va.us