Laila Kirkpatrick, Staff Writer
Virginia’s new statewide burning law prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m. The law will be in effect from February 15th through April 30th. Those found in violation of the law will be given a Class Three misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Those who allow the fire to escape could be liable for suppression costs and could be responsible for any property damage that occurs as a result. This new law applies to outdoor burning within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass and does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills.
The law was passed with the hope of limiting the number of wildfires that happen in Virginia every year. Virginia experiences approximately 700 wildfires every year, with the majority occurring in the Spring. The warm weather, alongside dry, windy conditions, has been thought to be the cause of many wildfires throughout the state. Abundant “fuels,” such as vegetation that has been killed by frost, have increased the potential for wildfires because they can catch fire so easily. The state’s forestry department held training earlier to attempt to curb the wildfires before the new law goes into effect.
