The Virginia Department of Forestry imposes a seasonal burn ban across the state from February 15 to April 30. This is not a complete burn ban. No burning can occur before 4 p.m. within 300 feet of any woodland or any other flammable material. The law applies to campfires, warning fires, brush piles, and fields of dry grass.

Put simply, between February 15 and April 30 you cannot burn before 4 p.m. unless the fire is supervised in an open field with no dry grass and non-combustible material all around.

The County Public Safety Director can also impose different levels of burn bans at his discretion due to drought and other factors.

In Pittsylvania County, all fires should be held in a clearing, not in the tree line, and at least 50 feet from any residential structure. Someone must supervise the fire at all times, and a water source should be readily available. All fires should be at least 50 feet away from any neighboring property line. Each of the County’s towns – Chatham, Gretna, and Hurt – may have additional regulations.