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Community Corner

Open Burning Restrictions in Effect for Loudoun County

The burning restriction will take place from Feb. 15 to April 30.

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office is reminding everyone that open burning is restricted in Loudoun County between February 15 and April 30. The regulations, which prohibit open air fires between the hours of midnight and 4 p.m., are enforced by the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Loudoun County Fire Marshal.

Known as the “4 p.m. law,” these restrictions are in place due to the potential for rapid fire spread across woodland and grassland areas that is the result of dry outdoor fuels, high winds and temperature increases that are normally present in the late winter and early spring season.  
  
During this period, residents may conduct open burning between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, subject to other restrictions. Open burning is prohibited at all times in the Towns of Round Hill, Purcellville, Middleburg, Lovettsville and Leesburg and in areas of Loudoun County that are part of suburban development. The burning of construction materials is prohibited at all times within any area of Loudoun County.  
  
Where open burning is allowed, it is limited to leaves and other yard trimmings if curbside trash pick up is not available for this purpose and must not be done any closer than fifty feet from any structure.  

Persons conducting open burning must contact the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center at 703-777-0637 prior to igniting a fire and at the end of the burning.

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Fires may not be added to or stirred after midnight. Persons are responsible, at all times, to ensure the fire is maintained under control and that it is attended, with provisions immediately available to extinguish the fire if necessary.  
  
Any person who violates this law could be convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of a fine up to $2,500.00 and up to a year in jail. Further, if convicted, a person may be required to compensate the locality for the full costs of fighting a fire.  
  
More information about the 4 p.m. law is available on the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office Web site or by calling 703-737-8600. Click here to see the full 2012 open burning calendar.

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