The 4:00 PM Burning Law specifies:
- No burning until AFTER 4:00 p.m. February 15 through April 30 of each year, if the fire is in or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or field containing dry grass or other flammable material.
- Fire shall not be left unattended if within 150 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass.
- No new fires set, no fuel added, or fire rekindled after midnight.
- Law applies to campfires, warming fires, brush piles, leaves, household trash, stumps, fields of broomstraw and brush or anything capable of spreading fire.
- The law provides for a penalty of up to $500, plus payment of court costs and fire suppression costs if the fire escapes.
For questions or more information about the 4:00 p.m. Burning Law contact the local Virginia Department of Forestry office at (540.967.3702) or Goochland County Fire-Rescue (804.556.5304).
Citizens are reminded and strongly encouraged to consult the open burning regulations for Goochland County before conducting any open burning year-round. Prior to all open burning, the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office must be notified at (804) 556-5349 with the location and times of the burning.
A summary of the open burning regulations is available on Goochland County Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services webpage at http://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/349/Goochland-County-Burning-Regulations. If you have any questions regarding open burning, please contact the Goochland County Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services Office of the Fire Marshal at (804) 556-5365.
