The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal's Office reminds community members that open burning is restricted in Loudoun County between Saturday, February 15, 2025, and Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The regulations, which prohibit open air fires, or open burning as it is commonly referred to, between the hours of midnight and 4 p.m., are enforced by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal and the Virginia Department of Forestry. Known as the “4 p.m. Law,” these restrictions are in place due to the potential for rapid fire spread across woodland and grassland areas because of dry outdoor fuels, high winds and temperature increases that are normally present in the late winter and early spring season.

During this period, residents may only conduct open burning between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, subject to other restrictions. Open air fires for leaves, trees, brush, yard, and garden trimmings generated on site are allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight, except in the town limits of Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, Round Hill, and urban or built-up areas throughout the County and in the Town of Leesburg. Ensure that any permissible outdoor burning is conducted at least fifty feet away from any structure.
People conducting open burning must contact the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center at 703-777-0637 prior to igniting a fire and at the end of the burning. Fires may not be added to after midnight. Those involved are responsible, at all times, to ensure the fire is kept under control and that it is attended to by a competent adult, 18 years of age or older, with provisions immediately available to extinguish the fire.

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. Any person who violates the fire code could be convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of a fine up to $2,500.00 and up to a year in jail. If convicted, a person may be required to compensate the locality for the full costs of fighting a fire.

Questions regarding open burning regulations and the “4 p.m. law” should be directed to the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office website www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or by calling 703-737-8600.