RADFORD – Spring has almost arrived, and with it is Virginia’s 75-day spring wildfire season which began at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15.
The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day until April 30, if a fire is “in, or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials,” according to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF).
Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight under the state law, but counties and cities often have additional restrictions. In the City of Radford, for example, anyone wishing to have a fire must let the fire department know ahead of time and gain permission to do so.
“Anytime a resident wants to burn debris, we require them to get permission beforehand and that’s year-round,” said Radford Fire Chief Rodney Haywood on Friday. “We like to keep up with weather conditions for that particular day, watching out for wind or dry conditions.”
“We also require the resident has a garden hose within reach of the burn and that no large debris is being burned,” he added. “The pile can’t be any bigger than about 4 feet by four feet and about two feet high.”
According to the VDOF, “95 percent of all wildfires in Virginia are human-caused and more than half are caused by people burning trash and yard debris.”
“The 4 p.m. law is one of the most effective tools we have in the prevention of wildfires,” said State Forester Rob Farrell. “By adhering to the law and not burning before 4 p.m., people are less likely to start a fire that threatens them, their property and the forests of Virginia.”
According to information released Friday by the VDOF, the Virginia 4 p.m. law “has existed since 1950 and has proven to be of great value in reducing the risk of wildfires.”
“This is due to the fact that wind speeds tend to decrease after 4 p.m. while humidity levels typically increase; therefore, the chance of fire escaping someone’s control is radically reduced,”: the released information reads.
It is not just the danger to oneself and others a person should consider. Violating the burn law is also a crime.
“Not only is starting a fire before 4 p.m. dangerous during the 75-day spring wildfire season, but it’s also a Class 3 misdemeanor,” states the VDOF. “Individuals can receive up to a $500 fine, and the person responsible for the fire’s escape is financially liable for the cost of suppressing the fire, as well as the damage caused to another’s property.”
VDOF Director of Emergency Response John Miller said rain over the past year could help avoid a heavy fire season this year.
“We are in good shape for the beginning of the fire season, thanks to the record-breaking rains last year and the rain and snow we have already received this year,” said Miller. “However, spring winds, lower humidity and warming temperatures can change conditions very quickly.”
“One snowstorm or soaking rain can make people forget that the vegetation is dormant and dry this time of year and can become hazardous with only a few days of dry windy weather,” Miller added.
To learn more about the 4 p.m. Burn Law, alternatives to burning debris, and the spring wildfire season, visit http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/faqs-burning.htm
