Open Burning Regulations

OPEN BURNING 4PM LAW

Open Burning Regulations

The regulation on open burning is based upon air quality standards developed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and is enforced locally by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office. The DEQ has included Loudoun County in the Northern Virginia area which has extended the open burning ban from May through September of each year. Open burning regulations vary based upon the time of the year. To learn more about the open burning regulations during a select time period, see details below. 

  • February 15 to April 30 Open Burning Allowed Only Between 4:00 p.m. and 12 a.m.
  • May 1 to September 30 Open Burning Prohibited
  • October 1 to February 14 Open Burning Permitted under Normal Conditions. 
  • Development Related Burning (See below)

Fire Marshal Disclaimer: The Loudoun County Fire Marshal may impose regulations, at any time, based upon a complaint, atmospheric or other environmental circumstances, or to restrict or extinguish any fire that is otherwise permitted according to these guidelines.

Violations and Penalty: Violations of the open burning regulations may result in being charged with and convicted of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. In addition, the responsible party may be held liable for all damages and the costs of firefighting operations. Questions can be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600 during normal business hours. Questions outside of normal business hours or to report open burning, contact the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) at 703-777-0637.


  1. February 15 to April 30 - Allowed  between 4:00 p.m. & 12:00 a.m.
  2. May 1 to September 30 -Prohibited
  3. October 1 to February 14 - Permitted
  4. Development Related Burning

Open Burning is Allowed Between 4 p.m. and 12 a.m., February 15 to April 30

  • During periods designated by the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), open burning is restricted. The DOF mandates and enforces the "4:00 p.m. burning law" effective February 15 through midnight April 30 of each year during which time frame open fires are prohibited between midnight and 4:00 p.m. countywide (towns included).
  • Open air fires for leaves, trees, brush, yard and garden trimmings generated on site are allowed between 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., except in the town limits of Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, Round Hill, and subdivisions ("urban or built up areas") throughout the county and in the Town of Leesburg.
  • Before proceeding with open burning during this time frame, ensure all the conditions in the open burning section are met.
  • All such open burning must be reported to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Emergency Communications Center (ECC) at 703-777-0637 prior to ignition and when the fire is extinguished.
  • Legally set fires are allowed to smolder between midnight and 4:00 p.m. provided they are appropriately attended with means for extinguishment, and no additional fuel load is added during this time frame.
  • Legally set open air fires are subject to all local regulations.

Open Burning Permit

Contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 703-737-8600 to obtain an Open Burning Permit Application Form. The fee is $120. An operational permit is required to operate a special incineration device as defined by the State Air Pollution Control Board.