Burn Ban FAQs

The Virginia Department of Forestry enforces a state-mandated annual burn ban from February to April. The Christiansburg Fire Department follows this law, which prohibits burning before 4 p.m. and after midnight. If you plan to burn, please report it to the NRV 911 Center by calling 540-382-4343 so that they may log your plan to burn. As always, stay with the fire until it’s extinguished. 

Additional burn bans may be issued throughout the year during extremely dry weather conditions. Residents will be notified through our Facebook pages and through the Town’s Notify Me service. You can sign up for Notify Me here: www.christiansburg.org/notifyme.

FAQs

What is the 4 p.m. law?

The 4 p.m. Law is a ban (or restriction) on open air burning before 4 o’clock in the afternoon if your fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass, which can carry the fire to the woods. You are allowed to burn between 4 p.m. and midnight as long as you take proper care and precaution and attend your fire at all times.

When does the law go into effect?

The law goes into effect on February 15th each year and runs through April 30th.

Why is there a law?

The 4 p.m. Law was adopted during the 1940s to reduce the number of wildfires that occurred each spring. During this time of the year, Virginia traditionally has an increased number of fires. During the winter months, winds are usually elevated, the relative humidity is lower and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry, having "cured" without having the tree leaves to shade them.

Why 4 p.m.?

After 4 p.m., winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels are on the increase, both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any outdoor open air fire to escape your control.

Can I have a campfire if I put rocks around it?

No. Campfires are considered an open air fire. A recreational fire such as a campfire MAY be approved IF it meets ALL the following:

• The fire is completely contained within a ring of rocks, cinderblocks, metal ring or similar device and also covered by a ¼” or smaller metal screen. A fire built in a pit with a similar metal screen may also be approved. 
• In all cases the fire must be attended at all times and an extra precaution should be taken by clearing a 20 foot area around the “fire” from all flammable material. 
• Ready access to water, rake and shovel should also be provided for. 
• Fires built in commercially available chimineas or fire pits are not considered to be open air fires and therefore legal IF they are complete and in good condition to prevent the spread of fire to surrounding areas. You should check with local authorities and or the VA Dept of Forestry if you have any concerns or questions.

What is the penalty for violating the 4 p.m. law?

Violation of the 4 p.m. law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.

Can I use my charcoal or gas-fired barbeque grill?

Yes. However, you must take proper care and precaution by clearing all flammable material from around it, and you must stay with it until it is completely extinguished or turned off.

Are building contractors and road construction jobs exempt from the 4 p.m. law?

No. However, if the burning operations are greater than 300 feet from the woods or flammable grass/vegetation that would allow the fire to spread to the woods, the 4 p.m. law does not apply.