Open Burning Begins Oct. 1

With the beginning of open burning season, the Loudoun County Fire Marshal has provided guidelines for the length of the season, which runs Oct. 1 through Feb. 14, 2013. Open burning prohibited year-round within the town limits of Leesburg, Purcellville, Middleburg, Hamilton, Round Hill, Hillsboro, and Lovettsville.

Open Burning is permitted:

• When not otherwise prohibited within the town limits listed above.

• For the burning of lawn clippings, tree trimmings and brush piles, generated on site, where street side trash service is not available for this purpose. The burning may be no closer than 50 feet from a structure.

• For agricultural purposes, such as clearing a field or fence row, for materials generated on site. The burning may be no closer than 1,000 feet from an occupied structure (people within the building) and 50 feet to a structure and may not pose a hazard to highways and airfields.

• For bonfires, provided that they consist of seasoned wood, piled neatly, no more than 5 feet in diameter by 5 feet in height. The burning may be no closer than 50 feet from a structure, and shall not burn longer than 3 hours.

• Campfires, no more than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height and used for cooking purposes, may not be located within 50 feet of any structure.
  
  
• Fires may not be added to between midnight and 5 a.m. and all fires must be actively attended by a responsible and competent person 18 yrs. or older, with means to control and extinguish the fire.

All open burning must be reported to the Fire-Rescue Emergency Communications Center 703-777-0637 prior to ignition and when the fire is extinguished. Violations of the open burning requirements may result in a conviction as a Class 1 Misdemeanor. In addition, residents may be held liable for all damages and the costs of firefighting operations.

For more information contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-777-8600 or visit the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s webpage.