The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office reminds our residents and visitors that open burning is prohibited in Loudoun County between May 1st and September 30th. These regulations prohibit open air fires or open burning with the following considerations:
• Campfires, no larger than three feet in diameter by two feet in height and used for cooking purposes, are exempt from these prohibitions, provided they are not within 50 feet of any structure.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas are not considered open burning but must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Single-family, attached and detached, homes are exempt from the distance mandate but are strongly encouraged to follow this fire safe practice.
• On a year-round basis, open burning (to include campfires) is always prohibited in the town limits of Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, Round Hill and all subdivisions ("urban or built up areas") throughout the county.
Fire Marshal Disclaimer: The Loudoun County Fire Marshal may impose regulations, at any time, based upon complaint, atmospheric or other environmental circumstances, to restrict or extinguish any fire that is otherwise permitted according to these guidelines.
Violations and Penalty: Any person who violates the fire code could be convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of a fine up to $2,500 and up to a year in jail. Further, if convicted, a person may be required to compensate the locality for the full costs of fighting a fire.
Questions can be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600 during normal business hours or you may access this information on the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s website, www.loudoun.gov/openburning.