Burn Regulations

Throughout the year, residents may choose to conduct open burning for various purposes. Understanding local burning ordinances can help ensure that outdoor fires are ignited and maintained safely and legally. 

For details regarding Campbell County's fire ordinances, please view Chapter 10 of the Campbell County Code. 

For further details on fire codes, please visit the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. 

Open Burn Facts At a Glance

• Open burning is permitted for the burning of brush and landscape waste.  The burning of other materials such as: demolition/construction debris, tires, asphalt shingles, plastics, rubber, and similar items is prohibited.
• Open burning must take place on private property and may only be done with the permission of the property owner.
• The material to be burned must be at least 50 feet from any structure, or 300 feet from any occupied building in residentially zoned areas unless the occupants have given prior permission.  
• Between February 15 and April 30, no burning is allowed before 4:00 pm if the open-burning operation is within 300 feet of anything flammable, including dry grass and woods; no additional material may be added to the fire after midnight.
• A responsible party must stay outside with the fire until it is completely extinguished; the fire may not be left unattended or smoldering without a clearance of 150’ on all sides.  
• All open burns must have some means on-site to extinguish the fire. Examples include: water hose, heavy equipment, shovel, rake, etc.
• The amount of material to be burned must be manageable.  For instance, large brush piles must be broken down so that only a small amount is being burned at one time.
• If the fire produces offensive smoke, odors, or causes ash to fall on adjoining properties, the person responsible may be required to extinguish the fire.
• If the fire escapes control, the person responsible can be held liable for the cost of extinguishing the fire.