Open Burning Ban Begins May 1 in Loudoun

Effective today, May 1, all open burning is prohibited in Loudoun County through Sept. 30.

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 only allowable burning, without prior approval from the Fire Marshal’s Office, is a campfire. Campfires can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high, and must be for cooking purposes. They cannot be within 50 feet of a structure.
Open burning, including campfires, is always prohibited in the towns of Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville and Round Hill, as well as in subdivisions throughout the county.
Violations of the open burning regulations may result in a conviction as a Class 1 Misdemeanor. In addition, the responsible party may be held liable for all damages and the costs of firefighting operations.

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.
Questions can be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600. More information also is online at www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.