Open Burning Regulations
Open burning is for the purpose of burning of leaves, trees, brush, yard and garden trimmings generated on-site, where street side trash service is not available for this purpose. Before igniting a burn pile, review all the information in the “Open Burning Permitted” here.
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.
You can learn the status of open burning and more information here anytime!
