Goochland Posts Guidance as Virginia 4:00 p.m. Burning Law Begins

Goochland Fire-Rescue posted a news flash on February 15, 2026 laying out county guidance now that Virginia’s “4:00 p.m. Burning Law” is in effect for the annual Feb. 15–Apr. 30 period. The county notice repeats the law’s core operational rules and adds local specifics: “No new fires set, no fuel added, or fire rekindled after midnight,” and “Fire shall not be left unattended if within 150 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass.”

Statewide, the Department of Forestry summarizes the law this way: “Virginia’s 4 PM Burning Law is in effect from February 15 through April 30 each year.” Local pages such as the City of Chesapeake and other DOF materials note the key distance threshold that triggers the restriction: burning - including debris burning and campfires - is prohibited before 4:00 p.m. if it is within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable material. The City of Chesapeake guidance states, “The 4 PM Burning Law bans open-air burning prior to 4:00 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods.”

The law permits fires later in the day under supervision: “Burning is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times.” Goochland’s post lists specific burn types covered by the rules: “campfires, warming fires, brush piles, leaves, household trash, stumps, fields of broomstraw and brush or anything capable of spreading fire.” Media reports and state guidance also note an apparent ambiguity about grills—some sources mention open-air charcoal grills in parks while also stating that “The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills,” a point county officials and the DOF recommend residents verify before using park grills.

Legal and financial consequences are explicit in county and state materials. “Violation of the 4 PM Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500,” and the DOF reminds residents that “Whoever started the fire is responsible for suppression costs should the fire escape.” Goochland’s post adds that penalties can include court costs and payment of fire suppression costs if a fire escapes.

Officials point to seasonal risk factors behind the timing. The DOF explains why the statute dates back to the 1940s and persists today, noting that late winter and early spring bring higher winds, lower relative humidity, and cured fuels. Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller said, “With approximately 700 wildfires in Virginia each year, the majority occur in spring.” State Forester Terry Lasher warned that “Virginia saw 80 wildfires burn nearly 800 acres in January,” underscoring dry winter conditions.

County and state materials stress that local rules may be stricter. “It is important to note that some localities may have even more restrictive regulations on outdoor burning than the state’s 4 PM Burning Law. All burners are encouraged to check with their locality before starting any outdoor burning,” the DOF statement reads. For specifics about enforcement and local contacts, the City of Chesapeake page lists its office at 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322, phone 757-382-2489, and Goochland residents are advised to consult Goochland Fire-Rescue’s Feb. 15, 2026 posting and the Virginia Department of Forestry for further details.