The Virginia Department of Forestry is reminding citizens the Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. burn law goes into effect today, Saturday, Feb. 15.
The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day between Feb. 15 and April 30 if the fire is in or within 300 feet of woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.
“The 4 p.m. Burn Law is one of the most effective tools we have in the prevention of wildfires,” said John Miller, director of fire and emergency response at the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). “In late winter and early spring, downed trees, branches and leaves become ‘forest fuel’ that increase the danger of a forest fire. 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.”
The 4 p.m. time frame is based on environmental factors; after 4 p.m., the winds are likely to be calmer, the temperature decreases and the humidity increases, all of which contribute to safer burning conditions.
Regardless of the time of day, it’s critical to exercise sound judgment when burning at any time of year. Even if it is legal to burn, it might not be wise to do so. This is especially true if it has not rained in several days, the winds are high or if you don’t have the tools and equipment to contain or control your fire.
“The leading cause of forest fires in Virginia is carelessness,” said Miller. “An unattended fire, a trailer chain dragging on the asphalt or a single match can ignite the dry fuels that are so prevalent in the early spring. Add a few days of dry, windy conditions and an escaped wildfire can quickly turn into a raging blaze.”
For more information on what you can do to protect yourself and your property, how to become “firewise” or to get a complete copy of the Forest Fire Laws, contact your local VDOF office or visit to http://dof.virginia.gov/laws/index.htm#FireLaws
To take a quote from Smokey Bear, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
